From satellite internet to device manufacturing: Amazon expands ambitions in Vietnam

Amazon aims to position Vietnam as a manufacturing hub for selected devices serving global exports, said David Zapolsky, the giant's senior vice president and chief global affairs and legal officer.

At a meeting with Minister of Science and Technology Vu Hai Quan in Hanoi on Friday, Zapolsky shared plans to roll out low-earth orbit (LEO) satellite internet services and explore opportunities to expand operations in Vietnam.

The moves follow Amazon’s establishment of Amazon Kuiper Vietnam Co. Ltd. in Ho Chi Minh City in 2025 and the filing of an application to participate in a controlled pilot program for LEO satellite telecommunications services, targeting up to 600,000 subscribers.

Target customer groups include individual users, businesses, telecom backhaul connectivity, aviation and maritime sectors, and government services.

At a meeting with the Ministry of Science and Technology in early December 2025, vice president of international public policy and government affairs at Amazon Susan Pointer also outlined plans for the company’s LEO satellite network aimed at delivering broadband internet connectivity to areas with limited infrastructure.

Amazon said it had deployed more than 150 LEO satellites and was continuing to expand the network with the goal of launching services in 2026.

Project Kuiper, renamed Amazon Leo in November 2025, is Amazon’s strategic initiative to build a constellation of more than 3,200 LEO satellites designed to provide high-speed, low-latency broadband internet services.

The service could deliver speeds of up to 400 Mbps for individual users and 1 Gbps for businesses, with a focus on underserved and unserved areas, including remote regions and islands.

At the Friday meeting, Quan praised Amazon’s contributions to Vietnam in recent years, particularly in supporting exports through e-commerce, advancing cloud computing, assisting small and medium-sized enterprises, and promoting innovation and digital transformation.

The minister said Vietnam hopes Amazon will continue expanding investment in digital infrastructure, data and high-tech sectors, while strengthening cooperation with domestic technology firms, promoting technology transfer, and supporting the development of high-quality human resources.

He also called on Amazon to work alongside Vietnam in building a sustainable green technology ecosystem aligned with the country’s digital economy and green growth development priorities in the coming period.

Quan affirmed that the ministry stands ready to coordinate with other relevant ministries, agencies and local authorities to support Amazon in studying, investment, manufacturing, and device testing activities in Vietnam, in compliance with legal regulations.

Vietnam enters orbit of satellite internet providers

Amazon’s push for Amazon Leo comes as Vietnam emerges as a focus for LEO satellite internet providers. Earlier, Starlink, a unit of SpaceX founded by billionaire Elon Musk, was approved for a pilot program in Vietnam, although the company still needs to complete legal entity, investment and telecommunications licensing procedures before rolling out services.

Under procedures outlined by regulators, once in-principle approval is granted, LEO satellite service providers are required to complete subsequent steps including establishing a legal entity, registering investments, and obtaining telecommunications and radio frequency licenses.

The Ministry of Science and Technology will assess applications based on evaluations of national defense and security impacts, as well as socio-economic development considerations.

For Vietnam, LEO satellite internet is expected to complement terrestrial telecommunications infrastructure, particularly in areas where fiber-optic deployment is difficult or terrain conditions are challenging.

If rolled out, the service could support broader broadband access goals, accelerate digital transformation, expand online public services, and help ensure connectivity in remote, border and island areas.

Meanwhile, Amazon’s plan to position Vietnam as a manufacturing hub for selected devices suggests the company’s ambitions extend beyond service provision. The country could increasingly be viewed as a link in the technology supply chain, in addition to serving as a market for digital services.

From satellite internet and cloud computing to device manufacturing, Amazon’s latest moves indicate the U.S. technology giant is significantly expanding its presence in Vietnam.

The developments also signal potential momentum for Vietnam’s efforts to attract high-tech investment, strengthen digital infrastructure, and elevate its position in the global technology value chain.

At a separate meeting with Zapolsky the same day, Party chief and President To Lam affirmed that Vietnam views the U.S. as one of its leading partners, with trade and investment cooperation as a key driver, while science and technology as a new breakthrough in bilateral ties.

Praising Amazon’s achievements in Vietnam over the past decade, Lam called on the giant to remain a key partner in implementing Resolution 57 issued by the Politburo - the country's highest decision-making body - on breakthroughs in science-technology, innovation, and digital transformation.

He also expressed hopes that Amazon would make tangible contributions in such fields as data infrastructure, artificial intelligence, and high-quality workforce training.

In response, Zapolsky said Vietnam has the potential to become a leading technology nation in the region, with substantial room for cooperation in areas where Amazon has strengths, including cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and big data.

Amazon is committed to long-term investment and supporting Vietnam in digital infrastructure and workforce development, he added.