Vietnam has approved a Starlink Vietnam license, clearing SpaceX’s satellite internet service to operate in the country under permits issued by the Ministry of Science and Technology, according to a Reuters report carried by Investing.com.
The Saigon Times reported that the license for telecom services with network infrastructure was issued to Starlink Services Vietnam Co., Ltd, alongside approvals covering radio frequencies and related equipment.
What Vietnam approved
Reuters reported that Vietnam’s government has allowed SpaceX to launch Starlink in Vietnam, with state media saying the Ministry of Science and Technology granted Starlink’s local unit a license to provide both fixed and mobile satellite internet services.
Reuters also reported that Starlink received authorization tied to radio frequencies and radio equipment, and that the ministry did not immediately respond to a request for confirmation outside business hours.
The Saigon Times said the ministry’s Authority of Telecommunications issued a license focused on fixed satellite networks to Starlink Services Vietnam Co., Ltd, and that the Authority of Radio Frequency Management granted approvals for radio frequency usage and equipment.
The Saigon Times also reported that the Ministry of Science and Technology notified the Ministry of Public Security, the Ministry of National Defense, and provincial departments nationwide about the licensing for low-earth orbit satellite services.
Limits in the first phase
Under the initial radio frequency license, Starlink is authorized to deploy four gateway stations and up to 600,000 terminal devices across Vietnam during its first phase, The Saigon Times reported.
The Saigon Times described the licensing approach as a “sandbox” meant to support disruptive technologies and help establish a clearer legal framework for low-earth orbit satellite coverage in Vietnam’s digital connectivity ecosystem.
Reuters reported that Vietnam’s government had previously said it would allow SpaceX to operate its internet service on a trial basis.
The Saigon Times linked the new step to Decision No. 659/QD-TTg dated March 26, 2025, which it said approved a controlled pilot program for low-earth orbit satellite services.
The Saigon Times reported that this decision waived traditional caps on foreign ownership and capital contributions for such pilot projects.
The Saigon Times also said SpaceX is permitted to invest in and operate satellite network infrastructure under a pilot five-year period concluding no later than January 1, 2031, while following national defense and security principles.
When service could start
Local media cited by Reuters said it was not clear when Starlink would launch services in Vietnam.
Reuters also reported that SpaceX did not immediately respond to a request for comment over the weekend.
The Saigon Times said satellite internet services like Starlink are expected to complement Vietnam’s existing terrestrial fixed and mobile networks and support connectivity in remote areas, border regions, and islands, including during natural disasters when terrestrial infrastructure may be compromised.
Trade and diplomacy context
Reuters reported that the approval came ahead of an expected visit by Vietnam’s top leader, To Lam, to the United States to attend the inaugural meeting of U.S. President Donald Trump’s Board of Peace initiative, while also noting the trip had not been officially announced.
Reuters also reported that Vietnam and the United States are negotiating a trade deal after Washington imposed 20% tariffs on Vietnamese goods in August, and that the two sides held their sixth round of talks earlier this month without announcing an agreement.
TeslaNorth similarly reported, citing Reuters, that Vietnam’s Ministry of Science and Technology granted the license to Starlink’s local unit for fixed and mobile satellite internet services and for use of radio frequencies and related equipment, while noting it remains unclear when service will begin.
Starlink’s global scale: differing figures
The Saigon Times said that by the end of 2025, SpaceX had surpassed 10,000 satellites launched and that Starlink was available in 125 countries and territories with over five million active users.
TeslaNorth reported different figures, saying Starlink is available in more than 160 countries and territories and has surpassed 10 million active customers worldwide, while also stating the company doubled its user base to 9.2 million over the course of 2025.
TeslaNorth also reported that Starlink removed waitlists in every market where it is available and that it accounts for roughly 97% of global satellite internet traffic.
