So far, Viettel is the only Vietnamese company to publicly express interest in LEO satellite technology. Chairman Tao Duc Thang stated that the group is conducting internal research in the field, though no specific outcomes have been disclosed.

From this, it is widely understood that the Ministry's goal is to facilitate the rollout of Starlink - Elon Musk’s satellite internet network - in Vietnam.

Speaking with VietNamNet, Nguyen Anh Cuong, Deputy Director General of the Department of Telecommunications at the Ministry of Science and Technology, revealed that Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has signed off on a pilot program allowing SpaceX, a wholly foreign-owned enterprise, to provide satellite internet in Vietnam.

Under current regulations, SpaceX must establish a local subsidiary and register an investment project with the Ministry of Finance. Once these steps are complete, the company can apply for a telecommunications service license. Both the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Science and Technology are now guiding SpaceX through these procedures.

Mr. Cuong added that the Ministry has advised the Prime Minister to approve 11 strategic technology clusters, one of which is aerospace. This includes three product categories: remote sensing and LEO telecommunications satellites, ground control stations, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

Starlink could accelerate 5G and close Vietnam’s digital divide

According to previous media reports, SpaceX plans to invest approximately $1.5 billion in Vietnam. The investment aims to launch Starlink’s satellite internet service across the country, particularly targeting remote, mountainous, border, and island areas where traditional internet infrastructure remains weak or unavailable.

The rollout of Starlink is expected to drive digital transformation and bridge Vietnam’s digital divide. However, for maximum effectiveness, the project will require strong collaboration between SpaceX and local telecom providers, as well as robust investments in supporting infrastructure and supply chains.

This initiative is expected to expand digital access nationwide, especially in rural areas that currently lack reliable fixed broadband or 4G/5G connectivity. Still, Starlink’s official business model for Vietnam has not yet been disclosed.

Earlier, during a visit to the United States, Deputy Prime Minister Ho Duc Phoc delivered the formal government decision allowing SpaceX to conduct its pilot service in Vietnam. According to Decision No. 659 dated March 23, SpaceX is permitted to implement a nationwide, controlled pilot of LEO satellite internet services.

The pilot will run for a maximum of five years from the date SpaceX’s Vietnam-based enterprise is granted a telecom service license, and must conclude by January 1, 2031.

Thai Khang