Vietnam Approves Starlink's Satellite Internet Services for Pilot Project
SpaceX’s Starlink gains regulatory approval to provide internet services in Vietnam for five years, potentially leading to significant investment.
Vietnam's government has granted approval for SpaceX's Starlink to provide satellite internet services in the country, initiating a pilot project that will last for five years and can accommodate up to 600,000 subscribers.
This decision follows a series of regulatory adjustments aimed at enhancing telecommunications capabilities within Vietnam.
The pilot program allows SpaceX, founded by Elon Musk, to invest in telecommunications using low-orbit satellite technology, with the project scheduled to operate until January 1, 2031. Notably, the regulations impose no restrictions on foreign ownership, addressing the growing interest in foreign telecom investment within the Vietnamese market.
According to government statements, operations must adhere to principles that safeguard national defense and security.
The pilot program will provide internet access not only on land but also at sea and in the air, facilitating the introduction of inflight WiFi on Vietnamese airlines.
Nguyen Anh Cuong, deputy head of the Vietnam Telecommunications Authority under the Ministry of Science and Technology, stated that Starlink, once granted a business license, will be permitted to operate like other telecommunications companies in Vietnam.
This includes the option to provide services directly to consumers or collaborate with local enterprises.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has emphasized the importance of advancing satellite services in discussions with U.S. business leaders, particularly as Vietnam seeks to strengthen its trade relationships with the United States amidst potential tariff challenges.
In September, the government noted that SpaceX had expressed plans to invest $1.5 billion in Vietnam linked to the Starlink satellite services.
Additionally, the pilot initiative promotes collaboration with Vietnamese firms aimed at distributing necessary hardware equipment and delivering associated services to customers.
The National Assembly had previously enacted regulations in February allowing foreign-owned or invested telecommunications enterprises to trial low-orbit satellite technology, marking a significant step in Vietnam's telecommunications sector modernization.
This decision follows a series of regulatory adjustments aimed at enhancing telecommunications capabilities within Vietnam.
The pilot program allows SpaceX, founded by Elon Musk, to invest in telecommunications using low-orbit satellite technology, with the project scheduled to operate until January 1, 2031. Notably, the regulations impose no restrictions on foreign ownership, addressing the growing interest in foreign telecom investment within the Vietnamese market.
According to government statements, operations must adhere to principles that safeguard national defense and security.
The pilot program will provide internet access not only on land but also at sea and in the air, facilitating the introduction of inflight WiFi on Vietnamese airlines.
Nguyen Anh Cuong, deputy head of the Vietnam Telecommunications Authority under the Ministry of Science and Technology, stated that Starlink, once granted a business license, will be permitted to operate like other telecommunications companies in Vietnam.
This includes the option to provide services directly to consumers or collaborate with local enterprises.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has emphasized the importance of advancing satellite services in discussions with U.S. business leaders, particularly as Vietnam seeks to strengthen its trade relationships with the United States amidst potential tariff challenges.
In September, the government noted that SpaceX had expressed plans to invest $1.5 billion in Vietnam linked to the Starlink satellite services.
Additionally, the pilot initiative promotes collaboration with Vietnamese firms aimed at distributing necessary hardware equipment and delivering associated services to customers.
The National Assembly had previously enacted regulations in February allowing foreign-owned or invested telecommunications enterprises to trial low-orbit satellite technology, marking a significant step in Vietnam's telecommunications sector modernization.