Vietnam has officially approved Starlink, Elon Musk’s satellite internet service, granting licenses for both fixed and mobile satellite networks. The move allows Starlink Services Vietnam to operate with up to 600,000 user terminals across the country, a significant step towards expanding digital access, particularly in remote and underserved areas. The Ministry of Science and Technology issued the necessary telecommunications licenses, alongside authorization from the Radio Frequency Department to utilize radio frequencies and operate related equipment.
The approval, finalized on , follows a pilot license issued in to Deputy Prime Minister Ho Duc Phoc, making Starlink the first foreign company authorized to test satellite internet services within Vietnam. SpaceX subsequently established a legal entity in the country and formally applied for the full commercial licenses now granted.
Starlink’s initial deployment in Vietnam will center around four gateway stations and the aforementioned 600,000 user terminals. These stations will form the foundational infrastructure for the service’s early stages. Authorities are emphasizing the importance of coordinating supervision and ensuring full compliance with national regulations as the network expands. Local science and technology departments have been instructed to oversee this process.
The Vietnamese government views satellite internet as a crucial complement to existing terrestrial infrastructure. While fiber-optic cables and traditional networks continue to be expanded, they remain unavailable or unreliable in many regions. Satellite connectivity offers a viable solution for mountainous areas, offshore islands, and sparsely populated rural zones where laying cable is economically or logistically challenging.
The licensing process allows Starlink to legally construct the transmission and reception infrastructure required for operation without causing interference to existing wireless communication systems. This is a key consideration for regulators, who are keen to avoid disruptions to established networks.
Starlink’s technology utilizes a constellation of low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites to provide broadband internet access. Unlike traditional geostationary satellites, LEO satellites orbit much closer to Earth, resulting in lower latency – the delay in data transmission – and higher speeds. This makes Starlink particularly well-suited for applications requiring real-time responsiveness, such as online gaming, video conferencing, and financial transactions.
The system works by users purchasing a Starlink kit, which includes a user terminal (a satellite dish and Wi-Fi router). This terminal connects directly to the Starlink satellite constellation, bypassing the need for traditional internet service providers (ISPs). Data is transmitted between the user terminal and the satellites, which then relay the signal to ground stations connected to the broader internet.
While Starlink has not yet announced an official commercial launch date for Vietnam, the granting of these licenses represents a major milestone. The company’s entry into the Vietnamese market is expected to increase competition among internet service providers and drive down prices, benefiting consumers. It also opens up new opportunities for businesses and individuals in areas previously lacking reliable internet access.
The approval of Starlink in Vietnam aligns with a broader trend of governments around the world recognizing the potential of satellite internet to bridge the digital divide. Several countries have already authorized Starlink’s services, and many more are considering similar moves. This growing acceptance reflects the increasing demand for broadband connectivity and the limitations of traditional infrastructure in reaching remote and underserved populations.
The Vietnamese government’s decision to allow up to 600,000 user terminals suggests a significant anticipated demand for the service. This figure indicates a belief that Starlink can play a substantial role in expanding internet access across the country. However, the actual uptake will depend on factors such as pricing, availability, and competition from existing ISPs.
The initial phase focusing on 600,000 terminals suggests a phased rollout strategy. This allows Starlink to gradually build out its infrastructure and optimize its network performance as demand grows. It also provides regulators with an opportunity to monitor the service’s impact and address any potential issues that may arise.
