Starlink Launches $65/Month Satellite Internet in Vietnam

Starlink, a subsidiary of SpaceX, has begun taking orders for its satellite internet service in Vietnam. The monthly subscription costs around $65, with a one-time equipment fee of approximately $390 for the Standard 4X equipment kit.

The first-year outlay for the service, including shipping and deposit, is around $1,190. In return, Starlink promises download speeds of 135 to 305 Mbps and uploads of 20 to 40 Mbps.

The Starlink service in Vietnam operates under a five-year pilot program, approved by the Vietnamese government, which will run until 1 January 2031. The program allows SpaceX to keep 100% local ownership of its Starlink venture in Vietnam, a rare concession in the country's tightly controlled telecoms sector.

However, the number of subscribers to the service is capped at 600,000, ensuring that the venture does not grow large enough to disrupt the domestic market. Additionally, the Vietnamese government requires that only officially distributed equipment be used for the service, and has warned against the use of imported devices, which could result in fines or confiscation.

## Why it matters The launch of Starlink's satellite internet service in Vietnam is significant, as it opens up one of Southeast Asia's fastest-growing markets to Elon Musk's orbital broadband. The service promises to provide reliable and fast internet connectivity to areas with limited or no access to traditional internet services.

The five-year pilot program is a notable win for SpaceX, but it also comes with restrictions. The cap on the number of subscribers and the requirement for officially distributed equipment are measures to ensure that the service does not disrupt the domestic market. Nevertheless, the launch of Starlink's satellite internet service in Vietnam is an important step in expanding access to internet connectivity in the country.