Elon Musk reposts Starlink’s Vietnam arrival update on X

Elon Musk Signals Starlink’s Vietnam Ambitions by Reposting Announcement Without Comment

Tech billionaire Elon Musk has drawn attention to his satellite internet company’s plans in Vietnam after quietly resharing a post on X (formerly Twitter) about the upcoming rollout of Starlink services in the country. While Musk offered no accompanying commentary, his repost has sparked renewed interest in SpaceX’s efforts to expand its global internet footprint into Southeast Asia.

The original post was made on Thursday by blockchain entrepreneur Mario Nawfal, who cited a Reuters report stating that SpaceX intends to deploy 10 to 15 Starlink ground stations in Vietnam, with the first to be established in Da Nang. Nawfal expressed excitement over what he described as a pivotal development for the region:

"SpaceX is sparking a real-deal shift and planting Vietnam on the satellite map!"

According to Reuters, citing sources familiar with the matter, Vietnamese authorities have granted initial approval for a trial phase, setting the stage for the launch of Starlink’s high-speed satellite internet services in the country. Groundwork for the first station, which will reportedly cost around US$3 million, is already underway.

Infrastructure Plans and Regulatory Framework
If all planned stations are successfully constructed, Vietnam could become one of the most infrastructure-rich countries in Asia for Starlink, potentially becoming a regional hub for satellite internet coverage.

To meet government requirements, SpaceX is building the ground stations in line with Vietnamese regulatory standards. This includes setting up a local legal entity and constructing a gateway station that connects satellite-generated traffic to the national telecommunications network.

At a recent meeting with Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Chi Dung, Nguyen Thanh Chung, head of the Authority of Telecommunications, confirmed the ongoing collaboration between SpaceX and Vietnamese agencies.

"They are preparing the necessary documents and equipment to bring to Vietnam," Chung said, noting that the process is expected to be finalized before the end of the year.

The Vietnamese government has authorized a trial phase that runs through January 1, 2031, allowing up to 600,000 subscribers during that time. This phase is subject to strict compliance with national security and cybersecurity standards, including the following:

All satellite internet traffic must pass through the Vietnam-based gateway.

User data must be stored domestically.

Service providers must take measures to prevent the spread of malware and harmful online content.

Commercial Viability and Market Challenges
Despite the growing excitement, Starlink faces notable challenges in Vietnam’s internet market. The country already has widespread broadband coverage and relatively low-cost internet access, meaning Starlink’s premium-priced services may not be widely adopted in urban areas. Analysts believe the company may need to offer additional or tailored services to compete effectively.

Still, in remote or mountainous areas, where connectivity remains limited, Starlink could fill key infrastructure gaps. Moreover, the presence of advanced satellite infrastructure might serve broader strategic or defense-related purposes, helping Vietnam bolster its digital capabilities.

Looking Ahead
Starlink's expansion into Vietnam marks a significant step for both SpaceX and the region’s digital ecosystem. With its infrastructure plans now public and early groundwork being laid, all eyes will be on how quickly and effectively the service rolls out.

Musk’s silent endorsement via repost suggests he’s paying close attention to the project’s development—and may have bigger plans for the region in the years to come.