Starlink Launches in Vietnam Bringing Speed but Not Freedom

SpaceX's Starlink satellite internet service has officially launched in Vietnam, bringing high-speed connectivity to one of the world's most tightly controlled online environments. The service began accepting orders from Vietnamese customers this month, with residential plans starting at approximately €37 per month.

A Controlled Pilot Program

The Vietnamese government approved a pilot run for Starlink in March 2025, granting SpaceX an exemption from standard foreign ownership restrictions. The test program is capped at 600,000 subscribers and will run until the end of 2030. Operations are handled through Starlink Services Vietnam, a local SpaceX subsidiary incorporated in September of last year. Authorities have licensed four gateway ground stations and up to 600,000 Starlink terminals for the first phase of rollout.

Connectivity Without Freedom

Despite the new access, Vietnam's strict internet regulations remain in force. The country ranks among the most restrictive globally when it comes to online content, with heavy censorship of political and critical material. Starlink's satellite connections reduce dependence on local cables and towers, but the content users can access is still governed by Vietnamese state regulations.

Who Actually Benefits?

Vietnam already has one of the most developed internet infrastructures in Southeast Asia: approximately 85.6 million internet users — about 84% of the population — with 85% of households having fiber internet, 110 million mobile broadband subscriptions, and 5G covering around 92% of the population.

Starlink's real advantage lies in remote mountainous areas and island communities where terrestrial infrastructure is weaker. However, the cost is a significant barrier: at €37/month for the cheapest residential plan and around €284 for the required hardware, the service is out of reach for most rural households, where average monthly income is just €259. Experts suggest that shared connections for schools, clinics, and local government offices may deliver more impact than individual subscriptions.

The Trade Angle

Vietnam's decision to allow Starlink was partly driven by trade policy: the country has a substantial trade surplus with the United States, and approving the service — alongside tariff cuts on US goods — was seen as a gesture to reduce tensions with Washington.