Starlink Licensed to Operate Satellite Internet in Vietnam | Expansion & Access

Vietnam has officially licensed SpaceX’s Starlink to operate satellite internet services within the country, a move signaling a significant expansion of connectivity, particularly in rural areas. The license, granted by the Radio Frequency Management authority on February 16, 2026, allows Starlink Services Vietnam Co. To initially deploy four gateway stations and up to 600,000 terminal devices.

This development comes after a period of anticipation and regulatory hurdles. SpaceX first expressed interest in entering the Vietnamese market in 2021, initially projecting service availability by 2022. However, expansion plans were delayed due to local regulations and disruptions caused by the pandemic. A key moment arrived in September 2024 when Tim Hughes, Senior Vice President for Global Business and Government Affairs at SpaceX, presented a proposed investment of US$1.5 billion to Vietnamese President To Lam at a United Nations summit.

The core technology behind Starlink relies on a constellation of low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites to provide high-speed internet access. Unlike traditional geostationary satellites, LEO satellites orbit much closer to Earth, resulting in lower latency and improved performance. This makes Starlink particularly well-suited for serving remote locations where laying fiber optic cables or establishing traditional wireless infrastructure is cost-prohibitive or geographically challenging.

Vietnam’s decision to grant Starlink a license is driven by a desire to expand internet access across its population of approximately 100 million people. While nearly 80% of Vietnamese citizens are currently internet users, significant gaps remain in coverage, especially in rural and mountainous regions. The Starlink system is expected to contribute to bridging this digital divide and supporting the Vietnamese government’s broader goals of universal internet access and digital transformation.

The licensing agreement includes a crucial stipulation: Starlink must ensure “no interference with existing radio communication networks.” This requirement underscores the importance of careful frequency management and coordination to avoid disrupting established telecommunications infrastructure. The Radio Frequency Management authority’s announcement on Saturday highlights this priority.

The timing of this license approval is noteworthy. Vietnam and the United States are currently engaged in trade negotiations following the imposition of 20% tariffs on Vietnamese goods by Washington last year. The sixth round of talks took place earlier this month, but a final agreement has yet to be reached. Some observers view the Starlink license as a potential “olive branch” in these ongoing negotiations, signaling a willingness to foster closer economic ties.

a visit to the United States by Vietnam’s top leader, To Lam, is scheduled for this week. He will be attending a meeting of President Donald Trump’s “Board of Peace” on February 19 in Washington. The board’s original mandate focused on rebuilding Gaza, but its charter appears to have expanded beyond that initial scope.

SpaceX, founded by Elon Musk, has not yet issued a public statement regarding the Vietnamese license. However, the company’s website indicates that services in Vietnam are “coming soon,” according to its availability map. The initial deployment of four gateway stations and 600,000 terminal devices represents a substantial investment and commitment to the Vietnamese market.

The expansion of Starlink into Vietnam aligns with the company’s broader strategy of enhancing coverage across Southeast Asia, with expectations of significant progress by 2025. The region’s diverse geography and varying levels of infrastructure development create a strong demand for satellite internet solutions. Vietnam’s increasingly tech-savvy population and expanding digital economy further solidify its position as a key market for Starlink.

While the potential benefits of Starlink’s entry into Vietnam are considerable, challenges remain. Ensuring seamless integration with existing networks, managing potential interference, and addressing affordability concerns will be critical to the success of the venture. The long-term impact of Starlink on Vietnam’s telecommunications landscape will depend on its ability to overcome these hurdles and deliver reliable, high-speed internet access to underserved communities.