What should users note when using satellite Internet to avoid violating the law?
(Dan Tri) - The commercialization of Starlink satellite Internet in Vietnam brings new broadband connection solutions, especially in remote, border and island areas.
Starlink satellite Internet (Illustration: Ambito).
However, individuals, organizations and businesses need to pay attention to legal regulations when using this technology to avoid the risk of being fined and having their equipment confiscated.
On the morning of August 13, Starlink's service map system officially changed the Vietnam region to Available status, and opened the ordering website for users in need.
However, taking advantage of this, on many social networking groups, a series of posts have appeared offering to provide "cheap" Starlink equipment and services of unknown origin. Users using these devices may face many legal risks.
The legal basis for the operation of Starlink satellite Internet has been clearly defined. Pursuant to Resolution No. 193/2025/QH15 of the National Assembly and Decision No. 659/QD-TTg of the Prime Minister, SpaceX Group is allowed to deploy a controlled pilot telecommunications service using LEO satellite technology in Vietnam for a period of 5 years (ending before January 1, 2031).
Among them, Starlink Services Vietnam Co., Ltd. is the only legal entity licensed by the Ministry of Science and Technology and qualified to directly provide satellite telecommunications services to domestic users.
To use satellite Internet services safely, legally and to protect consumer rights, the Radio Frequency Department guides people and organizations to only conduct transactions through official channels.
Specifically, individuals or organizations only purchase equipment and register for services distributed directly by Starlink Services Vietnam Co., Ltd. or legally authorized agents of this business.
Violations of regulations on management of satellite telecommunications equipment and services will result in fines and confiscation of equipment.
Pursuant to Decree No. 174/2026/ND-CP of the Government stipulating penalties for administrative violations in the fields of postal, telecommunications, radio frequency, information technology and electronic transactions, acts of illegally buying, selling, installing, manufacturing, importing or using low-altitude satellite terminals will be handled very strictly.
Specifically, violating individuals and organizations may be fined from 70 million to 100 million VND, and the additional penalty of confiscation of violating equipment will be applied.
In addition, Starlink Internet service also requires strict identification steps.
When registering an account and purchasing a device, users are required to provide personal or business identification information that completely matches valid identification documents. If this authentication step is not completed, the system will refuse to activate the service.
The Radio Frequency Department recommends that users:
- Do not arbitrarily activate to use the Starlink terminal brought from abroad to Vietnam.
- Do not equip or use Starlink terminals of unknown origin, without certification or declaration of conformity.
- Do not produce, import, sell, or advertise Starlink terminals that have not been certified, announced, and marked with conformity marks.