Elon Musk’s SpaceX is taking concrete steps to bring its Starlink satellite internet service to Vietnam, with regulatory procedures and infrastructure plans now underway, according to the country’s Department of Telecommunications.
During a government meeting on April 1, Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Chi Dung was briefed on the nation’s roadmap to boost digital infrastructure, with a spotlight on two 2024 priorities: expanding 5G coverage and piloting low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite services—including Starlink.
On March 23, the Vietnamese government granted official approval for SpaceX to pilot Starlink services in Vietnam, marking a significant milestone in the company’s long-standing ambition to enter the country’s fast-growing digital market.
Nguyen Thanh Chung, Director of the Department of Telecommunications, confirmed that his office is working closely with SpaceX to facilitate the necessary next steps. These include establishing a legal business entity in Vietnam and installing a Ground Gateway Station on Vietnamese soil, a critical requirement to ensure all satellite internet traffic in the country is routed securely through domestic infrastructure.
“They are preparing the documentation and equipment to bring to Vietnam,” Chung noted, adding that full deployment is expected within the year.
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Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk. Jae C. Hong/APStrict Compliance for Secure Connectivity
The pilot program sets clear terms: it will run for a maximum of five years, ending no later than January 1, 2031, and will allow up to 600,000 subscribers. To address national security and data privacy concerns, the Vietnamese government requires that all user traffic be routed through the local Ground Gateway Station; User data be stored within Vietnam, and The system must be equipped to prevent malware, cyberattacks, and the spread of malicious content.
While SpaceX has not issued a public statement on the development, the company has previously expressed strong interest in bringing Starlink to Vietnam—a country with ambitious plans to expand digital access, especially in underserved rural and mountainous regions.
A Boost for Vietnam’s Digital Ambitions
Minister of Science and Technology Nguyen Manh Hung emphasized that satellite internet will play a crucial role in delivering high-speed connectivity to remote areas, bridging the digital divide and unlocking new economic opportunities. He also called on telecom authorities to double the country’s mobile internet speed this year, with a strong push for nationwide 5G expansion.
Vietnam is also investing heavily in other components of its digital infrastructure. The plan includes: Accelerating 5G tower deployment; Enhancing submarine cable capacity; Launching new data centers; Promoting affordable access to 5G-compatible devices.
“Digital infrastructure is no longer optional—it’s the foundation for a modern economy,” said Minister Hung. “It combines broadband telecom, cloud computing, digital platforms, and next-gen technologies.”
Why It Matters for Investors
Starlink’s entry into Vietnam is more than just a tech story—it signals growing openness to global digital players and a national commitment to becoming a regional leader in digital connectivity. For foreign investors and international tech firms, Vietnam’s evolving regulatory environment and infrastructure investments present major opportunities in telecommunications, cloud services, IoT, and digital economy development.
As the country accelerates its digital transformation agenda, Starlink’s arrival could be a game-changer—bringing high-speed, reliable internet access to parts of Vietnam that traditional networks have yet to reach.
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Source: Vietnam Insider