SpaceX executives have recognized the potential for expanding satellite Internet services in Vietnam and are preparing to invest $1.5 billion in the country.
Tim Hughes, Senior Vice President of SpaceX, a global leader in spacecraft, satellite launches, and satellite communications, announced the company’s plan during a meeting with General Secretary and President To Lam in New York on September 25.
Hughes noted that SpaceX launched its satellite Internet projects five years ago and now operates over 6,000 low-Earth orbit satellites, which enable Starlink Internet services to provide coverage in nearly every corner of the globe. The Starlink project aims to deliver reliable global Internet access via these satellites.
General Secretary and President To Lam expressed strong support for SpaceX’s investment proposal, viewing it as a significant milestone in promoting bilateral cooperation. He emphasized that digital transformation is a crucial component of Vietnam’s strategy to advance into a new era of development.
The General Secretary also confirmed that the Vietnamese government is currently reviewing SpaceX’s proposal. He encouraged the company to collaborate closely with relevant authorities and local partners to streamline the investment process. Additionally, he highlighted that Starlink could play a key role in improving Vietnam’s ability to respond to natural disasters.
Hughes reaffirmed SpaceX’s commitment to helping Vietnam achieve widespread Internet access and expressed optimism about partnering with the Vietnamese government and local stakeholders to drive the project forward.
Earlier, during a meeting with Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on September 6, Hughes confirmed SpaceX’s readiness to introduce Starlink to Vietnam. He urged Vietnam to ensure the necessary infrastructure is in place to maximize the project’s effectiveness, with the ultimate goal of enhancing Internet coverage across the country.
Founded by billionaire Elon Musk, SpaceX initially floated the idea of bringing Starlink to Vietnam during the September 2023 meeting between Hughes and Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh. SpaceX leaders expressed their intention to help provide broadband Internet services to areas with limited connectivity.
Starlink made its debut in Southeast Asia in early 2023, launching services in the Philippines and Malaysia, with plans to expand to more countries in 2024. However, Vietnam and Thailand are still awaiting formal approval, according to the Starlink website.
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Source: Vietnam Insider