Vietnam has officially granted Starlink a license to operate its satellite Internet services within the country, as confirmed by a government agency. The license allows Starlink Services Vietnam Co, the local branch of SpaceX’s Starlink, to set up four gateway stations and a maximum of 600,000 terminal devices to facilitate Internet access.
The licensing conditions mandate that Starlink must ensure there is “no interference with existing radio communication networks,” as stated by the Authority of Radio Frequency Management on Saturday. This initiative is expected to enhance satellite internet connectivity across Vietnam, which is vital in bridging the gaps in Internet access, especially in rural and mountainous regions.
Starlink utilizes a network of thousands of low Earth orbit satellites to deliver high-speed Internet to remote areas globally. The service is particularly timely, given that nearly 80 percent of Vietnam’s population of approximately 100 million are Internet users, according to the Vietnam Internet Network Information Center.
While the U.S.-based Starlink is preparing for a launch in Vietnam, marked by an indication of “coming soon” on its availability map, the parent company Space Exploration Technologies Corp (SpaceX) has yet to comment on this development.
Additionally, the backdrop of this announcement includes ongoing trade negotiations between Vietnam and the United States. Following a 20 percent tariff imposed by the U.S. on Vietnamese goods last year, both countries are in discussions aimed at finalizing a trade deal. Vietnamese President To Lam is set to visit the U.S. this week for a meeting involving former President Donald Trump’s “Board of Peace,” although it’s unclear if trade discussions will occur during this trip.
This strategic move by Starlink not only promises to improve connectivity in underserved areas of Vietnam but also reflects growing international collaboration and the potential for enhanced economic ties between the U.S. and Vietnam. As satellite Internet accessibility expands, it brings hope for bridging the digital divide and fostering economic opportunities in previously isolated regions.