Elon Musk’s Starlink offers free internet access in Venezuela following U.S. airstrikes, Maduro’s arrest
Elon Musk’s Starlink is offering free broadband internet service in Venezuela following U.S. airstrikes and the capture of ousted leader Nicolás Maduro.
The satellite internet provider said on Sunday that it was proactively adding service credits to both active and inactive accounts as it monitored evolving conditions and regulatory requirements in the country.
“While we do [not yet have] a timeline for local purchase availability, if and when there are updates, they will be communicated directly through official Starlink channels,” the company said.
Starlink, a subsidiary of SpaceX, delivers internet access via low Earth-orbit satellites and requires users to purchase separate hardware to connect to the network.
Although Starlink’s availability map lists Venezuela as “coming soon,” indicating the service has not formally launched in the country, the company acknowledged that some users were already active. It remains unclear how Starlink’s services and pricing will change after Feb. 3.
The temporary provision of free internet access could help restore connectivity amid the fallout from recent U.S. military operations.
Washington carried out airstrikes and a ground raid to capture and extradite Maduro for trial on allegations including narco-terrorism and election rigging.
“Starlink will likely become available, for free, everywhere where the U.S. is involved in an antagonistic relationship with the regime,” said Marko Papic, global GeoMacro strategist at BCA Research.
U.S. operations on Jan. 3 primarily targeted areas in the Venezuelan capital of Caracas, with the states of Miranda, Aragua and La Guaira also hit, according to a government statement.
Following the strikes, reports indicated that parts of Caracas lost power and internet access. Some local media outlets also reported outages in Miranda over the weekend.
U.S. President Donald Trump said the United States would oversee Venezuela’s transition, though details remain unclear amid concerns about a potential power vacuum.
Trump also announced Saturday that Vice President Delcy Rodriguez was sworn in following Maduro’s arrest, while warning of a second strike if the new leadership did not “behave.”
The U.N. Security Council is expected to meet on Jan. 6 to discuss the legality of the U.S. action. Several countries, including U.S. allies such as Brazil and Spain, have condemned the military operation.
