Image: Starlink
SpaceX is expanding its global internet footprint once again. The company’s satellite internet service, Starlink, has officially received approval to begin operations in Vietnam, marking another key milestone in its rapid international rollout.
According to Reuters, Vietnam’s Ministry of Science and Technology has granted Starlink’s local unit a license to provide both fixed and mobile satellite internet services. The approval also includes authorization to use radio frequencies and related equipment, clearing a major regulatory hurdle for the company.
The timing is notable. The green light comes just ahead of an expected visit by Vietnam’s top leader, To Lam, to the United States for the inaugural meeting of President Donald Trump’s Board of Peace initiative. The two countries are also in the midst of trade negotiations after Washington imposed 20% tariffs on Vietnamese goods last August. While it’s unclear when Starlink will officially begin service in Vietnam, the regulatory nod signals a strong step forward.
The expansion follows a banner month for Starlink. The service just surpassed 10 million active customers worldwide, after doubling its user base to 9.2 million over the course of 2025. It is now available in more than 160 countries and territories, and adding Vietnam to the list only strengthens its presence across Asia.
Starlink’s momentum has been accelerating at breakneck speed. Earlier this week, the company removed waitlists in every market where the service is available, potentially paving the way for even faster subscriber growth. It already accounts for roughly 97% of global satellite internet traffic, underscoring its dominance in the sector.
As more governments approve the service, Starlink continues inching closer to its mission of delivering high-speed, low-latency internet virtually anywhere on Earth. Vietnam’s approval is yet another sign that the network’s global expansion is far from slowing down.
Is Starlink already available in your area, or are you still waiting for it to launch, like in India and South Africa? Let us know in the comments below.
