The Vietnamese government has granted a license to Elon Musk’s satellite internet company Starlink to operate in the country, according to the national radio frequency regulator. The local unit, Starlink Services Vietnam Co., has been authorized to set up four gateway stations and deploy up to 600,000 terminal devices. Under the license terms, Starlink must ensure that its operations do not interfere with existing radio communication networks.

Officials said the move is expected to play a key role in expanding Vietnam’s satellite-based internet connectivity. About 80 percent of the country’s 100 million people currently use the internet, but rural and mountainous areas still face service gaps. Starlink, a subsidiary of SpaceX, provides high-speed internet through thousands of low-orbit satellites and has indicated on its website that service in Vietnam will launch soon.

The development comes as Vietnam and the United States continue trade negotiations following a 20 percent U.S. tariff on Vietnamese goods last year. Vietnam’s top leader To Lam is scheduled to visit Washington this week for a meeting of the U.S. “Board of Peace” led by President Donald Trump.