Vietnam has approved a trial launch of SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet service, allowing the U.S. company to offer both fixed and mobile connectivity across the country until the end of 2030, including on flights, Reuters has reported.
Key points:
- The trial will allow up to 600,000 subscribers during the period.
- The government has placed no limit on foreign ownership of the service.
- Starlink will be permitted to provide both fixed and mobile internet plans, including in-flight connectivity.
- It is not yet clear whether SpaceX has formally applied for a licence.
The move could expand Vietnam’s rural and remote internet coverage and is being viewed by some analysts as a diplomatic gesture to strengthen U.S. ties and potentially mitigate the risk of U.S. trade penalties. It also signals a rare opening in Vietnam’s tightly regulated telecoms sector, possibly setting a precedent for greater foreign participation in critical digital infrastructure.
