Vietnam: Prime Ministerial Decision authorising a pilot program for low- orbit satellite telecommunications services by Space X was adopted (Decision No.659/QD-TTg)

On 23 March 2025, Prime Ministerial Decision No. 659/QD-TTg was adopted, authorising a pilot program for low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite telecommunications services. The program permits the Space Exploration Technologies Corporation (SpaceX) to operate through a Vietnam-registered enterprise, exempt from foreign ownership limits under Resolution No. 193/2025/QH15. However, it requires the establishment of a domestic ground gateway to route satellite traffic through local infrastructure, ensuring compliance with national security and data sovereignty. The pilot will include fixed and mobile satellite services with a cap of 600,000 subscribers and must comply with national defence and security requirements. The pilot will run for five years, ending before January 1, 2031, with oversight from the Ministry of Science and Technology in coordination with the Ministries of National Defence and Public Security. It was also highlighted that licenses may be revoked for non-compliance, including breaches of security or operational conditions.