Starlink provides free internet to Venezuelans through February 3

Starlink is offering free broadband service in Venezuela through February 3 after reported damage to the country's communications infrastructure, and existing Starlink customers may receive service credits while owners of Starlink hardware can select a Roam plan to use service there.

Officials reported U.S. military operations in Venezuela that resulted in the arrest of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. The operations were reported to have damaged much of Caracas's and surrounding areas' communications infrastructure. In response, Starlink announced it is providing free broadband service to the people of Venezuela through February 3 and gave limited details about distribution and local availability. Key points: - Officials reported the capture and arrest of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. - Communications infrastructure in Caracas and surrounding areas was reported as damaged, affecting connectivity. - Starlink announced free broadband service in Venezuela through February 3 and said existing customers, including those who paused service, would receive proactive service credits; owners of Starlink hardware were advised to select a Roam plan to use the service there. - Starlink previously provided satellite internet service in Ukraine; reporting at the time noted costs reached about $80 million and SpaceX later secured a Department of Defense contract in 2023 while other governments also provided funds. Summary: Starlink's free service is intended to restore internet access for people in Venezuela while national communications remain disrupted. The company set a firm end date of February 3 and provided limited detail about longer-term support or local hardware availability. Undetermined at this time.