Starlink, the satellite internet business owned by Elon Musk, has officially launched satellite internet service in Vietnam. Customers can now order through the website. Packages for general users start at approximately 1.13 million dong per month, or around 1,440 baht, with initial equipment costs exceeding 8.6 million dong, or about 11,000 baht.
Starlink's official website and Facebook page, the low Earth orbit satellite internet service under SpaceX owned by billionaire Elon Musk, have updated their coverage maps to show "Available now" status in Vietnam. Users can register, order equipment, and check service availability online immediately, with a free 30-day trial and no contract obligation. Equipment delivery is available within 1–2 weeks.
According to the website, Starlink offers two monthly subscription packages for individual customers in Vietnam: a 100 Mbps speed package priced at 1,131,990 dong per month (about 1,440 baht), and a higher-speed package of 300–400 Mbps costing 1,711,100 dong per month (around 2,176 baht) for corporate/business clients. Prices vary based on data usage.
These prices represent a significant reduction from earlier predictions that monthly fees in Vietnam could reach 85 US dollars (roughly 3,000 baht). The initial cost for the receiving equipment, including satellite dish and Wi-Fi router, is about 8,655,300 dong (approximately 11,000 baht) for the standard model, and 10,269,900 dong (around 13,065 baht) for the larger Standard 4X model. Thus, the total initial cost for equipment and first-month service ranges roughly from 12,000 to 15,000 baht.
Mr. Nguyen Anh Kuong, Deputy Director of the Telecommunications Department under Vietnam's Ministry of Information and Communications, revealed that Starlink Services Vietnam Co., Ltd. has been granted two telecommunications licenses to conduct trial satellite internet services via low Earth orbit satellites in Vietnam. The trial limits users to no more than 600,000, which is just 2.5% of the country's fixed broadband subscriber base.
Vietnamese authorities assess that Starlink's service will not broadly impact or directly compete with local telecommunications companies, as Starlink's service fees and equipment costs remain several times higher than typical fiber-optic or mobile network internet services. A survey by VnExpress found that 74% of Vietnamese respondents rejected Starlink because their existing home internet met their needs well, with only 15% interested and 11% considering it.
However, Mr. Kuong emphasized that Starlink must strictly comply with Vietnamese laws on pricing and competition. If unfair market practices or predatory pricing are detected, the government will intervene to maintain fair competition.
Mr. Vu The Binh, Vice President and Secretary-General of the Vietnam Internet Association, stated that Starlink's entry is a positive signal for the country's digital landscape. It provides people and agencies in remote, mountainous, marine, and island areas—where fiber-optic cables have yet to reach—with an option for high-speed broadband internet access. Additionally, Starlink can serve as a highly effective backup communication system during natural disasters or emergencies that damage terrestrial infrastructure.
.sourceVnExpress / VietNamNet