On Friday, Venezuela’s National Telecommunications Commission (Conatel) approved seven licences for SpaceX’s Venezuelan subsidiary to operate Starlink across the country, lifting a ban that had been imposed under former President Nicolas Maduro.
The ban stemmed from a campaign that labeled Musk a demonic figure and resulted in the seizure of Starlink antennas during Maduro’s contested 2024 re‑election; authorities also arrested individuals selling the equipment.
APNIC data shows that 3.6% of Venezuela’s internet users were already tapping Starlink’s satellite network before the formal approval, hinting at a sizable underground demand.
Following Maduro’s capture in January 2026, Musk pledged a month of free service for Venezuelan customers, a promise that was revived after the twin earthquakes on June 24 to aid recovery in La Guaira, the hardest‑hit area.
US sanctions previously barred Starlink from operating in Venezuela, but the regime change removed that barrier. Andres Azpurua, director of VE Sin Filtro, said the company now faces only local regulatory hurdles. The company plans a phased rollout beginning next month, with coverage expected in major cities by September.
Maria Rodriguez, a teacher in Caracas, said the new licences mean she can finally stream live lessons to her students, a change she described as "a lifeline for education."