SpaceX's Starlink satellite internet service has temporarily started providing free internet to users in Venezuela. The move comes after a military operation by US forces that led to the detention of the country's President Nicolas Maduro. According to CNBC, electricity and internet connections were cut off in several areas, including the capital Caracas, following the operation.
Starlink said its main goal is to "enable new and existing users to connect to support the Venezuelan people." Although the service is not currently officially operating in the country, Starlink is applying automatic service credits to active accounts in Venezuela until February 3. Users who have suspended or canceled their service but own Starlink equipment can also reactivate their accounts at no additional cost.
The company noted that those without the necessary equipment will not be able to take advantage of this opportunity at this time. Starlink said it is monitoring the situation and regulatory requirements, and will announce updates regarding the official launch date of the service through official channels. It is worth noting that SpaceX took a similar step in Ukraine in 2022, following Russia's invasion.
Recall that US forces detained Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores in air strikes and a ground operation on Saturday. They were charged with narco-terrorism and drug trafficking. The Venezuelan Supreme Court appointed Delcy Rodriguez as interim president in Maduro's absence. US President Donald Trump said that the process would be monitored "until a legitimate government is formed" in the country.
