SpaceX’s satellite-based internet service is now being offered in Venezuela free of charge, days after the United States (US) military intervention in the country.
Free broadband service is provided to Venezuelans until February 3rd, according to the Starlink website. Credits are being proactively applied to accounts of both active and inactive users.
“At this time, our focus is on enabling connectivity for new and existing customers to support the people of Venezuela with free service credits,” the company’s blog post reads.
Owned by Elon Musk, Starlink has approximately 10,000 satellites that can provide internet access even in the most remote and rural locations worldwide.
The US attacked Venezuela on January 3rd and captured its leader, Nicolás Maduro, and his wife, who were brought to New York, where they face drug-related charges.
President Donald Trump has repeatedly accused the Maduro regime of organizing cocaine flow to the US. However, his rhetoric has recently shifted to the US taking control of Venezuela’s oil industry.
An estimated 303 billion barrels of oil are believed to be untapped in Venezuela, accounting for approximately 17% of the world’s reserves.
Starlink: a savior and a tool for blackmail
Venezuela isn’t the first conflict-affected country where Starlink is available. The service was introduced in Ukraine in 2022, after Russia launched a large-scale invasion, and has since become crucial for ensuring the connectivity of civilians and military communications.
However, the now-indispensable service has become a subject of controversy. Musk denied Kyiv’s request to provide Starlink coverage over Russian-occupied Crimea, preventing Ukraine’s military attack.
Washington allegedly threatened Kyiv to cut off access to Starlink if the country doesn’t agree to sign a deal over critical minerals.
Curious what others think about this story? Contribute your thoughts to the debate below.
Russia is reportedly developing a weapon that would be capable of disabling multiple satellites at once, specifically targeting Starlink satellites, according to the Associated Press.
The highly advanced technology is sought by many, including through illicit means.
The Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a Sudanese paramilitary that has been accused of crimes against humanity, has reportedly gained access to Starlink through black markets in the United Arab Emirates.
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