SpaceX has officially received approval for a five-year pilot program to provide Starlink satellite internet service in the Vietnam. The decision, issued on March 23, allows SpaceX to offer both fixed and mobile satellite services under a trial period that could last until the end of 2030.
Under the pilot framework, SpaceX can service up to 600,000 subscribers through direct and reseller channels. The service will cater to both land-based internet users and those requiring connectivity in remote locations, such as maritime and airborne platforms. This is especially important for a country like Vietnam, which has a vast rural population and extensive coastline.
To align with Vietnam’s national defense and data sovereignty regulations, SpaceX must build a local ground station to ensure that all internet traffic remains within the country’s borders. Additionally, user data generated within Vietnam must be stored domestically.
Vietnam’s ministries of science, defense, and public security will jointly monitor Starlink’s operations throughout the trial period to ensure compliance with cybersecurity and national security standards. SpaceX will also be required to block harmful content and implement protective measures against cyber threats.
ALSO READ: SpaceX Gets Green Light to Offer Starlink in Pakistan
The pilot aligns with the country’s recent National Assembly resolution focused on science, innovation, and digital transformation. SpaceX’s commitment to invest up to $1.5 billion in Vietnam further highlights the program’s long-term economic potential.
Tim Hughes, SpaceX’s senior VP for global business and government affairs, praised Vietnam’s open stance during meetings with top officials last year, stating that Starlink could support key sectors such as education, disaster response, and remote work. The company previously demonstrated its system at the 2023 Vietnam International Innovation Expo, where speeds reached 200 Mbps.
