A recent case involving the unauthorized use of satellite Internet services has been penalized in Cát Bà, Hải Phòng, highlighting stricter regulatory enforcement over emerging telecommunications technologies in Vietnam.
According to the Radio Frequency Department under the Ministry of Science and Technology, during the first quarter of 2026, a tourist boat operating in Cát Bà installed and used a Starlink satellite Internet system to provide connectivity for passengers. However, the equipment had not been licensed by the relevant authorities as required under Vietnamese law.
Authorities determined that this constituted a violation of regulations governing the use of radio frequencies. The boat owner was fined VND 70 million. In addition, officials are tracing the origin of the satellite transmission equipment to clarify how the Starlink system was brought into and used within Vietnam without authorization.
Starlink is a satellite Internet service developed by SpaceX, designed to deliver high-speed connectivity, particularly in areas where traditional telecom infrastructure is limited. In Vietnam, it is also the first foreign satellite Internet service to receive pilot approval.
Although licensing procedures were completed in mid-February 2026, an official rollout timeline has yet to be announced. On Starlink’s global service map, Vietnam is still not listed as an active coverage area.
Recently, social media has seen increasing reports of users accessing Starlink services within Vietnam. However, most of these cases are believed to involve equipment registered abroad and then brought into the country, posing potential legal risks.
Regulators emphasize that compliance with radio frequency laws is mandatory for all individuals and organizations. Any use of transmission equipment without proper authorization may be subject to strict penalties.
At a press conference on April 1, representatives from the Telecommunications Authority stated that Starlink will be deployed in Vietnam under a pilot program with a maximum scale of 600,000 subscribers. Once operational, the service will be treated as a licensed telecom provider and must fully comply with Vietnamese telecommunications regulations.
In terms of cost, the proposed pricing model requires users to pay approximately $435 in the first month, including $350 for equipment and $85 for the service subscription. From the second month onward, the monthly fee is expected to remain at $85 for an unlimited data plan.
Under Decree 15/2020, using earth satellite stations without a valid license for radio frequency and equipment is subject to administrative fines ranging from VND 70 million to VND 100 million. The case in Cát Bà serves as a clear example of increasing oversight and enforcement as satellite Internet services begin to emerge in the Vietnamese market.
