Hai Phong enhances telecommunications connectivity across coastal and island areas
Hai Phong is gradually expanding backup connectivity infrastructure and deploying satellite equipment in areas with poor signal coverage to strengthen disaster response capabilities and support the management and development of its marine economy.
Addressing connectivity bottlenecks
Previously, whenever Nguyen Thi Hai Oanh, a resident of Kien An Ward, returned to her hometown in Cat Hai Special Zone, she often experienced unstable mobile phone signals and internet connections. Over the past month, since the installation of Starlink satellite internet equipment, Oanh, along with local residents and visitors at the ferry terminal, has been able to access the internet and enjoy stable mobile phone coverage within a radius of approximately 400 m.
Phan Viet Dien, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee and Chairman of the People's Committee of Cat Hai Special Zone, said telecommunications infrastructure was one of the locality's weaknesses. Due to its extensive island geography, fragmented terrain, distance from the mainland and frequent exposure to adverse weather conditions, investment in and expansion of terrestrial telecommunications networks in some areas remained challenging.
In response to practical needs and following the city's direction, in October and November 2026, the Department of Science and Technology, in coordination with Starlink Vietnam and FPT Telecom, installed, commissioned and put into operation 10 satellite internet connection devices in the two special zones of Cat Hai and Bach Long Vi.
Pham Huy Thang, Deputy Director of the Department of Science and Technology, said satellite internet was a solution to supplement telecommunications infrastructure and address coverage gaps in hard-to-reach coastal and island areas. The technology helps ensure uninterrupted communications, support disaster prevention and response, search and rescue operations, and the development of digital infrastructure.
SpaceX has pledged to provide the Vietnamese Government with 1,000 devices to establish connectivity at essential locations nationwide. Hai Phong is the first locality where the corporation has directly coordinated the rollout, with 10 devices installed in the two special zones and six months of service provided free of charge.
Ensuring seamless connectivity and sustainable use
In addition to supporting disaster response, stable connectivity is also important for developing marine economic activities, tourism and services at sea. Cat Hai recorded nearly one million international visitors in the first nine months of 2026. Although the number of visitors to land-based destinations has declined during the autumn season, more than 100 tourist vessels are still operating in the bay, accommodating an average of 2,000 – 3,000 visitors each day for overnight stays aboard sightseeing and luxury accommodation vessels.
The scale of these activities is driving increasingly high demand for reliable communications to meet tourists' internet access needs, support vessel management and operations, facilitate service provision and handle unexpected situations. It also enables businesses to adopt digital platforms, improve service quality and operate more proactively.
According to Han Duc Bien, National Sales Director of Starlink at FPT Telecom, the company is ready to provide technical support in emergency situations. It will coordinate technology transfer and provide in-depth training so that local personnel can operate the equipment independently and deliver 24/7 technical support.
The Department of Science and Technology is working with enterprises and special zone authorities to organize training sessions and instruct technical staff in equipment operation, while establishing a rapid-response team to provide timely assistance when incidents occur. Initially, the system will prioritize disaster prevention and response, as well as search and rescue operations in the special zones. The department will then study the possibility of expanding its services to support socio-economic development, the digital economy and marine tourism.
During 2026 – 2030, the city will focus on helping poor and near-poor households gain access to telecommunications services and expanding maritime mobile communications coverage for fishermen. Therefore, combining terrestrial networks with satellite internet infrastructure in areas with specific geographical conditions will help strengthen connectivity, improve safety at sea and enhance management efficiency. This is in line with the city's orientation of making the marine economy one of its key growth drivers.
THANH VAN