Vietnam Grants Approval for Starlink Trial Operation
SpaceX's Starlink Pilot Program Approved in Vietnam
SpaceX's Starlink satellite internet service has received approval from the Vietnamese government for a five-year pilot program. The trial period could last until the end of 2030, subject to the completion of investment procedures and the establishment of a legal entity in Vietnam.
The program aims to provide low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite internet nationwide under full regulatory oversight. Notably, the program will not have foreign ownership limits during the trial period.
Regulatory Requirements
To initiate the program, SpaceX must establish a wholly-owned local legal entity, complete its investment registration with Vietnam's Ministry of Finance, and obtain a telecommunications service license from the Department of Telecommunications under the Ministry of Science and Technology. Although the government approved the pilot in March 2025, SpaceX has yet to submit final licensing documents as of August 2025.
Pilot Program Scope and Timing
The pilot program is set to use low-orbit satellites to deliver internet services as early as Q4 2025. The pilot is intended to encourage the development and testing of satellite broadband nationwide.
Ground Infrastructure
SpaceX has prepared ground stations in Vietnam for Starlink satellites, demonstrating a long-term presence in the country.
Economic and Social Impact
Starlink anticipates significant benefits for rural and remote areas, with an emphasis on enabling reliable internet connectivity for sectors like healthcare. This could foster digital transformation and improve access to essential services in underserved regions.
Subscriber Numbers
No specific information on the expected or current number of subscribers in Vietnam has yet been disclosed by SpaceX or Vietnamese authorities as the pilot rollout is still pending licensing and formal launch.
Compliance and Security Measures
SpaceX will be required to block harmful content and implement protective measures against cyber threats. Additionally, a local ground station must be built to ensure compliance with Vietnam's national defense and data sovereignty regulations. All internet traffic within the program must remain within Vietnam's borders, and user data generated within Vietnam must be stored domestically.
Optimism for the Future
Tim Hughes, SpaceX's senior VP for global business and government affairs, expressed optimism about Starlink's potential support for sectors like education, disaster response, and remote work in Vietnam. Similarly, the program in Pakistan aligns with the country's focus on science, innovation, and digital transformation. SpaceX's investment in the Pakistan program could be up to $1.5 billion, highlighting its long-term economic potential.
In summary, SpaceX’s Starlink pilot in Vietnam is a government-sanctioned effort to test and deploy satellite internet services broadly, particularly targeting underserved areas to enhance connectivity. The pilot could foster both economic and healthcare improvements, subject to the completion of regulatory steps in 2025.
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- The Ministry of Science and Technology in Vietnam has approved SpaceX's Starlink satellite internet pilot program, aiming to utilize technology to deliver space-and-astronomy-driven internet services in the country.
- Not only is SpaceX establishing a local legal entity in Vietnam, but they are also preparing ground stations for their Starlink satellites as part of their effort to leverage science and technology for nationwide satellite broadband and digital transformation.
