President Donald Trump addressed the nation regarding the U.S. detention of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife.
Starlink announced Sunday that it will provide free broadband internet. Serving in Venezuela The deadline was extended until February 3, citing efforts to maintain connectivity after the U.S. military arrested President Nicolas Maduro during a military operation.
The satellite internet provider announced the move in a post about X that was also shared by the company’s owner. Elon Muskincreasingly positioning Starlink as a communications lifeline in times of crisis.
Elon Musk wrote, “I support the people of Venezuela.”
The announcement comes a day after the U.S. military conducted a military operation in Venezuela that resulted in Maduro’s arrest, marking a dramatic escalation in tensions over the longtime Venezuelan leader, U.S. officials said.
Elon Musk announces that SPACEX will provide free STARLINK terminals in Los Angeles as fires rage
Maduro was extradited to New York on Saturday to face multiple federal charges, including narco-terrorism conspiracy, cocaine importation conspiracy and weapons offenses, authorities said. His wife, Cilia Flores, was also detained and charged with similar crimes.
U.S. authorities have accused Maduro and government officials of using drug trafficking and violence to destabilize the region and undermine democratic institutions, charges detailed in a federal indictment.
Starlink is a satellite-based internet network operated by. Mr. Musk’s SpaceXare increasingly deployed during emergencies and conflicts, providing connectivity to areas where traditional infrastructure has been damaged, restricted or closed.
Musk accelerates Starlink for free ‘for those in need’ for Hurricane Milton victims
Starlink expanded its role in the crisis response by announcing free broadband service in Venezuela until February 3 after the US military arrested President Nicolas Maduro during a military operation. (SpaceX/Fox News)
In recent years, Musk donated Starlink devices to communities after devastating wildfires in California cut off internet and cell phone service, leaving residents unable to communicate with emergency responders and loved ones.
The company also provided Starlink equipment to parts of western North Carolina after Hurricane Helen left thousands without power and internet for days in September 2024.
Elon Musk defends restrictions on military use of Ukraine’s Starlink satellites
Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX and Tesla and owner of Twitter, looks on as he attends the Viva Technology conference dedicated to innovation and startups held at the Porte de Versailles exhibition center on June 16, 2023 in Paris, France. (Gonzalo Fuentes/Reuters/Reuters Photo)
Beyond natural disasters, Starlink has also played a high-profile role in international conflicts.
Satellite networks are widely used. Ukraine since Russia During the February 2022 invasion, it helped maintain communications for civilians, government agencies, and military forces during widespread infrastructure damage.
Musk has previously described Starlink as “the backbone of Ukraine’s military,” underscoring the growing influence of private technology companies in modern conflicts and geopolitical crises.
CLICK HERE TO GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO
It remains unclear whether Starlink will extend its free service in Venezuela beyond February 3, or how long internet access in the country may be affected amid ongoing political developments.
