Starlink in Vietnam: Internet access without freedom of the Internet

Starlink has begun offering satellite internet services in Vietnam, marking its entry into one of the world's most tightly controlled online environments. The service, operated by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, started accepting orders from Vietnamese customers this month, with monthly subscription rates for private users starting at approximately 37 euros (43 US dollars). This move comes amid ongoing efforts by Vietnam to expand digital access while maintaining strict control over online content. The Vietnamese government approved the operation of Starlink under a controlled pilot project in March 2025, allowing SpaceX to bypass typical restrictions on foreign ownership. The trial is limited to 600,000 subscribers and is set to run until the end of 2030. The service will be managed through Starlink Services Vietnam, a local subsidiary established in September of last year. Authorities granted licenses for four ground gateway stations and up to 600,000 Starlink terminals during the initial phase of deployment. These gateways enable the integration of satellite traffic with Vietnam’s terrestrial telecommunications infrastructure. The approval of Starlink was part of broader measures aimed at mitigating potential trade actions from the United States due to Vietnam’s large bilateral trade surplus. Some analysts viewed the licensing of Starlink, alongside reduced tariffs on U.S. goods, as part of Hanoi’s strategy to ease tensions with Washington. Vietnam officially connected to the global internet in 1997, and according to government data, the country had around 85.6 million internet users by the end of 2025, representing roughly 84 percent of its population. Vietnam’s existing internet infrastructure is well-developed, with official statistics showing that nearly 85 percent of households have fiber-optic internet connections. Over 110 million mobile broadband subscriptions exist, and the nation’s 5G network covers about 92 percent of its population. Despite this, Starlink’s primary advantage lies not in urban areas like Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, but in remote regions and island communities where terrestrial infrastructure is less developed. The service could help improve connectivity in these underserved areas. Satellite-based connections are less reliant on local cables and towers, making them a viable backup option when terrestrial networks are damaged by typhoons, floods, or landslides. However, Starlink’s cheapest tariff for private homes in Vietnam starts at around 37 euros per month, with hardware costs beginning at approximately 284 euros. In rural areas, where Starlink might be most beneficial, the average monthly income is just 259 euros. According to Khac Giang Nguyen, a guest researcher at the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute in Singapore, many rural households would find the service unaffordable without subsidies. He suggests that shared connections for institutions such as schools, hospitals, and local authorities may yield greater impact than individual subscriptions. Regardless of how Starlink affects internet access, there are few signs that its entry into the market will lead to increased freedom of expression or openness in Vietnam’s online environment. The service operates within a framework that prioritizes state oversight, ensuring that the expansion of digital infrastructure aligns with national regulatory goals. As the pilot program progresses, further details on its implementation and long-term implications will likely emerge.