Vietnam Grants Licence to Starlink for Satellite Internet Services

Hanoi, The Gulf Observer: Việtnam has officially authorised satellite internet provider Starlink to operate in the country after regulators granted licences for low-Earth-orbit (LEO) satellite telecommunications services, paving the way for commercial deployment.

The Authority of Telecommunications under the Ministry of Science and Technology issued a licence permitting Starlink Services Vietnam Co., Ltd. to provide satellite-based telecom services with network infrastructure. Separately, the Radio Frequency Department approved the use of spectrum and related radio equipment.

Initial Rollout Plan

Under the initial rollout framework, the company is authorised to deploy up to four gateway stations and as many as 600,000 user terminals nationwide.

Authorities stated that the licensing framework aims to safeguard national spectrum resources while enabling controlled testing of advanced technologies. The move establishes a legal foundation for expanding satellite internet coverage across the country.

The approval follows Prime Ministerial Decision No. 659/QĐ-TTg dated March 26, 2025, which allows a five-year pilot programme for LEO satellite telecommunications services. The pilot permits operations without foreign ownership limits, subject to national defence and security requirements, and is scheduled to conclude before January 1, 2031.

Expanding Connectivity

Satellite internet services such as Starlink are expected to complement existing fixed-line and mobile networks, particularly in remote, border and island regions. Officials noted that such services will also enhance communication resilience during natural disasters when terrestrial infrastructure may be disrupted.

Starlink Services Vietnam is headquartered in Cửa Nam Ward, Hà Nội, with a charter capital of VNĐ30 billion (approximately US$1.1 million). The company is wholly owned by Starlink Holdings Netherlands B.V. Its chairwoman and legal representative is Lauren Ashley Dreyer, while Vietnamese national Đỗ Bá Thích serves as general director.

Developed by SpaceX, Starlink operates approximately 6,750 satellites globally and serves around five million users across more than 125 countries and territories.

Upon commercial launch, Việtnam will become the fifth Southeast Asian market to offer Starlink services, following the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia and Timor-Leste.