Vietnam grants Starlink a licence to operate, aiming to expand internet connectivity in remote areas with up to 600,000 user terminals.

HANOI: Vietnam has licensed Elon Musk’s Starlink to provide satellite internet services. The Radio Frequency Management authority announced the approval on Saturday.

The licence permits the local unit, Starlink Services Vietnam Co., to initially deploy four gateway stations. It can also operate a maximum of 600,000 user terminal devices in the country.

The regulator stated the system must ensure “no interference with existing radio communication networks”. It added that Starlink would contribute to “expanding satellite internet connectivity” in Vietnam.

Starlink provides high-speed internet via thousands of low Earth orbit satellites. This technology is particularly suited for remote locations.

Nearly 80% of Vietnam’s 100 million people are internet users. Significant gaps in access remain in rural and mountainous areas.

On its website, Starlink indicates its services in Vietnam are “coming soon”. Parent company SpaceX did not immediately reply to a request for comment.

The licensing comes amid ongoing trade negotiations between Vietnam and the United States. Washington imposed 20% tariffs on Vietnamese goods last year.

The two countries held a sixth round of talks this month but have not reached a final agreement. Vietnam’s top leader, To Lam, is scheduled to travel to the US this week.

He will attend a meeting of President Donald Trump’s “Board of Peace” in Washington. It was not clear if Lam would also hold separate trade talks with Trump.

Vietnam’s government has not publicly confirmed the trip. The Southeast Asian manufacturing hub recorded 8.0% growth last year despite the US tariffs.

Hanoi is now targeting double-digit economic growth for the current year.

 The Sun Malaysia