Satellite internet provider Starlink has officially gone live in Vietnam, marking its sixth Southeast Asian market and a significant step in the company's regional expansion strategy. The service became operational last week, with the company also signing a satellite launch agreement with Vietnamese aerospace firm VinSpace, a subsidiary of the country's largest private conglomerate Vingroup.
The move underscores the growing demand for high-speed internet connectivity in emerging markets, where traditional terrestrial infrastructure often struggles to reach remote and underserved areas. By entering Vietnam, Starlink is positioning itself to capture a share of the country's expanding digital economy, while also strengthening its foothold in a region where it has been rapidly scaling operations since its debut in the Philippines in 2023.
Vietnam now joins the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and East Timor as markets where Starlink services are commercially available. Customers in Vietnam have been able to place orders since August 13 through the company's local website, with residential plans priced at 1.13 million dong ($43) per month, plus hardware costs of 8.66 million dong ($330). The launch follows a trial agreement signed between SpaceX and the Vietnamese government nearly a year and a half ago, which included a waiver of foreign ownership limits for the service.
In addition to the service launch, Starlink also announced a partnership with VinSpace, under which the Vietnamese company's satellites will be deployed aboard a Transporter rideshare mission in 2027 as part of SpaceX's rideshare program. VinSpace, established in November 2025, is focused on becoming a full-stack aerospace company, handling research, development, manufacturing, and on-orbit operations of its satellites. The upcoming mission will support the demonstration of in-house developed technologies and help strengthen the company's satellite engineering capabilities.
"Reliable access to space is fundamental to turning satellite innovation into operational missions. This contract with SpaceX is an important milestone in VinSpace's long-term strategy to help build Vietnam's space ecosystem and strengthen the country's position within the global space economy," said Thu Vu, CEO of VinSpace.
The launch in Vietnam and the partnership with VinSpace reflect Starlink's broader ambitions in Southeast Asia, a region with significant untapped potential for satellite connectivity. Analysts note that the company's ability to navigate local regulatory frameworks and forge strategic partnerships will be critical to sustaining its growth trajectory in the area. With plans to expand into Cambodia and Laos later this year, Starlink is clearly betting on the region as a key driver of its global subscriber base.
Starlink launches commercial services in Vietnam, signs satellite launch deal with VinSpace
By: IDCNOVARegion: Southeast Asia