HCMC – SpaceX, known as the operator of the Starlink low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite internet service, is currently working with the Ministry of Finance to complete procedures for establishing a business and launching operations in Vietnam.
Once the business registration process is complete, SpaceX will proceed to apply for a license to provide its low-Earth orbit satellite service, Starlink. According to regulations, the licensing process should take no more than 15 days.
Regarding the licensing of Starlink services, the Authority of Telecommunications said that the process has been delayed because SpaceX intends to establish a wholly foreign-owned enterprise to operate in Vietnam.
From a legal perspective, the National Assembly’s Resolution 193 provides a framework for piloting special policies to drive breakthroughs in science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation in Vietnam.
Under this resolution, Vietnam allows controlled pilot operations of satellite telecommunications networks using low-Earth orbit (LEO) technology, with a key condition being the assurance of national defense and security.
Notably, the resolution places no restrictions on foreign investors in terms of ownership ratio, capital contribution, or equity stake.
The prime minister has issued Decision No. 659, which allows for the controlled pilot implementation of telecommunications services using low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite technology, without imposing any limits on foreign investors’ shareholding, capital contribution, or equity ownership ratios.
LEO satellite internet services differ fundamentally from traditional telecommunications, offering much wider coverage but at a higher cost.
Providers like Starlink are expected to focus on areas such as aviation, maritime zones, remote and hard-to-reach regions, and may also serve as an emergency backup in situations like natural disasters or search and rescue missions.
