Starlink satellite Internet launches in Vietnam

Starlink’s official X account announced on Wednesday evening that “Starlink's high-speed, low-latency internet is now available in Vietnam!” and linked users to its local website.

The launch follows months of preparations after Starlink, operated by Elon Musk's SpaceX, received approval in February to conduct a controlled pilot program in Vietnam.

According to Starlink’s Vietnamese-language website starlink.com/vietnam, the service currently offers two residential plans. 

The first costs VND1.13 million ($43.4) per month for speeds of up to 100Mbps, while the second costs VND1.71 million ($65.7) per month for speeds exceeding 400Mbps.

Both plans offer unlimited data and a 30-day money-back guarantee. The Standard hardware kit costs from around VND8.65 million ($332.2) in some areas.

Starlink says the equipment is designed for simple installation and can withstand harsh weather conditions, making the service suitable for areas prone to heavy rain and storms.

Although more expensive than conventional fiber-optic broadband, Starlink could offer an alternative in places where terrestrial networks are difficult or costly to deploy.

The service uses thousands of satellites operating at an altitude of around 550 kilometers, providing high-speed, low-latency connectivity in areas beyond the reach of fixed broadband, including remote communities, islands, boats, and construction sites.

Starlink Services Vietnam Co. Ltd., a wholly foreign-owned subsidiary of SpaceX, has been licensed to operate the service. The company has its headquarters in Hanoi.

The controlled pilot program allows up to 600,000 user terminals and is scheduled to run until before January 1, 2031.

FPT Telecom, Starlink’s first partner in Vietnam, has helped establish a satellite gateway at the Fornix HCM02 data center, supporting connections between Starlink’s satellite network and users in Vietnam while meeting local cybersecurity requirements.

Starlink is not expected to replace Vietnam’s expanding fiber-optic infrastructure but it will serve as a complementary option.

Fiber remains more affordable and generally more stable in urban areas, while satellite Internet could benefit people in underserved areas, fishermen, logistics businesses, and households seeking a back-up connection.

Users will now be watching how Starlink performs in Vietnam as its customer base grows, particularly whether actual speeds and low latency can be maintained and whether the service will be expanded to more individual and business customers.