HÀ NỘI — Nguyễn Anh Cương, Deputy Director of the Authority of Telecommunications, said that SpaceX, the operator of the Starlink low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite telecommunications system, is completing procedures with the Ministry of Finance to establish a legal entity in Việt Nam.

Once the business registration is finalised, SpaceX will apply for a license to provide Starlink LEO satellite services.

“According to regulations, the licensing process should take no more than 15 days,” Cương said. 

He added that procedural delays have occurred as SpaceX seeks to establish a 100 per cent foreign-owned enterprise in Việt Nam. 

National Assembly Resolution No. 193 no longer places any limit on foreign ownership ratios or capital contributions.

The National Assembly Resolution No. 193/2025/NQ-QH15 established a pilot mechanism for controlled investment and business operations in satellite telecommunications networks using low Earth orbit technology, based on the principle of ensuring national defence and security. 

There is no limit to the percentage of foreign ownership, capital contributions or investor shareholding.

“From a legal standpoint, Việt Nam has created very favourable conditions for foreign enterprises to enter and operate,” Cương said. 

According to industry experts, traditional telecommunications networks in Việt Nam have offered high speeds and are widely accessible and affordable. Satellite services have the advantage of broad geographic coverage, unaffected by terrain, but tend to be slower and more expensive.

It will likely target sectors such as aviation (in-flight connectivity), maritime, remote and underserved areas. Starlink's services may also serve as a backup solution in emergency cases, including natural disasters or search and rescue operations. — BIZHUB/VNS