Is Starlink available in Vietnam?

Is Starlink Available in Vietnam? (2025 Full Guide)

In today’s world, reliable and fast internet connectivity has become as essential as electricity and water. As countries move toward digital transformation, access to high-speed broadband plays a crucial role in improving education, business, and communication. One of the most revolutionary technologies reshaping internet access worldwide is Starlink, the satellite internet service developed by SpaceX. However, a common question people ask is: “Is Starlink available in Vietnam?”

This article explores everything you need to know about Starlink’s status in Vietnam, including its current availability, government regulations, internet alternatives, future prospects, and what it could mean for the country once approved.

What Is Starlink?

Starlink is a satellite-based internet network created by SpaceX, founded by Elon Musk. Unlike traditional broadband that relies on underground fiber-optic cables, Starlink uses a constellation of thousands of small satellites orbiting the Earth at low altitudes (around 550 km).

These satellites beam internet data directly to small user terminals (dishes) placed at homes or businesses, providing high-speed internet access even in remote or rural regions where traditional infrastructure is limited or absent.

Key features of Starlink include:

• Download speeds ranging between 100–250 Mbps (and even higher in some regions).

• Low latency, often below 40 ms, making it suitable for gaming and video conferencing.

• Easy installation, requiring only a small satellite dish and a power source.

• Coverage in remote areas where traditional broadband providers are unavailable.

Starlink has already launched services in many parts of North America, Europe, Australia, Japan, and parts of Southeast Asia — but what about Vietnam?

Is Starlink Available in Vietnam in 2025?

As of November 2025, Starlink is not officially available in Vietnam.

While SpaceX’s Starlink network covers large portions of Asia and is expanding rapidly, the Vietnamese government has not yet granted official approval or licensing for Starlink to operate in the country.

This means that:

• You cannot legally purchase or activate a Starlink connection in Vietnam.

• The Starlink website does not list Vietnam as an available service area.

• Residents of Vietnam cannot order the Starlink kit or receive customer support through local channels.

Why Is Starlink Not Yet Available in Vietnam?

There are several regulatory, political, and technical reasons why Starlink has not yet launched in Vietnam.

1. Government Regulation of Telecommunications

Vietnam’s telecommunications market is tightly regulated by the Ministry of Information and Communications (MIC). The government requires all internet service providers to be licensed, and foreign satellite operators must collaborate with local partners before offering services.

Starlink, being a foreign private entity, must comply with these regulations before starting operations. Negotiations or approval processes may take time, especially since Vietnam prioritizes cybersecurity, sovereignty, and control over digital infrastructure.

2. National Security Concerns

Satellite internet systems like Starlink bypass traditional land-based telecom infrastructure, which makes it harder for governments to monitor or control data flow.
Vietnam, like several other countries, maintains strict oversight of its internet infrastructure for security and information management reasons.

Thus, the authorities are cautious about allowing unrestricted satellite internet systems that operate independently of national networks.

3. Partnership and Licensing Delays

Starlink often enters new markets through partnerships with local telecom operators. For instance, in the Philippines and Malaysia, SpaceX signed agreements with local companies to distribute and support Starlink services.

As of 2025, no such partnership has been publicly announced in Vietnam, which may be another reason for the delay.

4. Spectrum and Frequency Allocation

Starlink uses specific radio frequencies to communicate with its satellites. Each country must allocate these frequencies and ensure they do not interfere with existing services.
Vietnam’s telecommunications authorities are still assessing how to manage these spectrum allocations safely and efficiently before granting approval.

Starlink Availability in Neighboring Countries

While Vietnam has yet to approve Starlink, several neighboring countries in Southeast Asia have already embraced it:

• Philippines: Starlink officially launched in 2023, becoming the first Southeast Asian country to offer the service. It provides internet to rural and island areas with speeds up to 200 Mbps.

• Malaysia: Starlink began operating in 2024 after obtaining government approval. Even Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced using Starlink dishes in rural schools.

• Thailand: Starlink started limited operations in 2024, targeting mountainous and remote provinces.

• Indonesia: Still in the early stages of negotiation and testing for rural connectivity.

• Cambodia and Laos: Not yet approved, similar to Vietnam, due to ongoing regulatory reviews.

Given this regional trend, Vietnam could be among the next wave of Southeast Asian nations to approve Starlink once legal frameworks and cybersecurity standards are aligned.

Current Internet Situation in Vietnam

Vietnam already has one of the most developed telecom markets in Southeast Asia, with internet penetration exceeding 75% of the population as of 2025.

The country’s major internet service providers (ISPs) include:

1. VNPT (Vietnam Posts and Telecommunications Group) – The largest state-owned telecom operator.

2. Viettel – A military-run telecom giant known for strong coverage across rural and urban areas.

3. FPT Telecom – A private ISP offering high-speed fiber broadband and digital TV services.

4. Mobifone – Primarily known for mobile internet services.

These providers use fiber-optic and 4G/5G networks to deliver internet nationwide.

However, Vietnam still faces connectivity challenges in rural and mountainous regions, especially in the north and central highlands. Fiber-optic installation in these areas is expensive and logistically difficult.

This is precisely where Starlink could make a difference — by bringing high-speed internet to underserved areas without the need for cables or ground infrastructure.

Potential Benefits of Starlink in Vietnam

If Starlink becomes available in Vietnam, it could bring several advantages across multiple sectors.

1. Rural Connectivity

Millions of people in remote villages and mountain regions could finally gain access to stable, fast internet. This would open doors to online education, e-commerce, telemedicine, and government services.

2. Education and Learning

Students in rural schools often lack reliable internet access. With Starlink, schools could connect to global resources, online courses, and digital libraries, bridging the urban-rural education gap.

3. Business and Startups

Entrepreneurs and freelancers in smaller towns could compete in global markets. Reliable internet access is essential for remote work, digital marketing, and export-oriented businesses.

4. Disaster Recovery and Emergency Response

Vietnam frequently experiences typhoons and floods that damage ground-based infrastructure. Starlink’s satellite internet can remain operational during natural disasters, enabling emergency communication and faster recovery.

5. Tourism and Maritime Connectivity

Vietnam’s long coastline and tourism industry could benefit from satellite internet in island resorts, cruise ships, and fishing communities, where traditional internet options are unavailable.

Estimated Starlink Price in Vietnam (When Available)

While official pricing in Vietnam is unknown, we can estimate based on prices in neighboring countries:

If Starlink launches in Vietnam, the price would likely range from $90 to $120 per month, with a one-time equipment cost of around $500–$600.

While this might be higher than local fiber plans, Starlink’s value lies in availability in areas where no other internet option exists.

How Starlink Could Be Approved in Vietnam

Starlink’s entry into Vietnam depends on several factors:

1. Partnership with a Local ISP: SpaceX may need to collaborate with companies like VNPT, Viettel, or FPT to operate legally.

2. Government Licensing: Approval from the Ministry of Information and Communications will be required.

3. Data Localization Compliance: Vietnam’s cybersecurity laws require that data from Vietnamese users be stored domestically.

4. Spectrum Approval: Frequencies must be assigned to avoid conflicts with existing networks.

If these conditions are met, Starlink could begin operations as early as late 2026 or 2027.

Alternative Satellite Internet Options in Vietnam

While Starlink is not yet available, a few alternative satellite-based services exist in Vietnam:

• VNPT Satellite Internet: Provided mainly for businesses and remote government facilities.

• Viettel Satellite Services: Offers internet for defense, offshore oil rigs, and remote areas.

• AsiaSat and Vinasat: Traditional geostationary satellite services with limited speed and higher latency.

These systems are more expensive and slower compared to Starlink’s low-earth-orbit technology, but they currently fill the gap for satellite connectivity.

The Future of Starlink in Vietnam

Given the country’s focus on digital transformation and inclusion, Vietnam is likely to welcome Starlink eventually, once proper frameworks are in place.

Vietnam’s “National Digital Transformation Program 2030” aims to ensure that 100% of households have access to broadband internet. Reaching remote areas will be challenging with fiber networks alone, making satellite internet a strategic necessity.

Starlink could become a crucial partner in achieving that goal, complementing existing ISPs and helping bridge the digital divide.

As of 2025, Starlink is not yet available in Vietnam, but there is growing interest and potential for its future approval. The service’s introduction would revolutionize internet access in rural regions, strengthen business connectivity, and contribute to Vietnam’s digital economy.

The main barriers remain government licensing, security regulations, and partnerships with local providers. Once these challenges are addressed, Starlink could officially launch, offering fast, reliable, and affordable satellite internet to millions of Vietnamese citizens.

Until then, Vietnam continues to rely on its strong fiber and mobile network infrastructure while preparing for the next stage of internet innovation — powered by the stars.