President Donald Trump spoke to the nation about the US kidnapping of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife.
Starlink said on Sunday it was offering free broadband internet service in Venezuela on February 3, citing efforts to maintain connectivity after US forces arrested President Nicolás Maduro during the war.
The satellite internet provider announced the move in a post on X and shared by company owner Elon Musk, who has deployed Starlink as a communication route in times of crisis.
“In support of the people of Venezuela,” wrote Elon Musk.
The announcement came a day after the U.S. military launched a military operation in Venezuela that led to Maduro’s arrest, according to U.S. officials, in a dramatic escalation of the conflict involving Venezuela’s longtime leader.
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Maduro was transported Saturday to New York, where he faces multiple charges, including conspiracy to commit terrorism, conspiracy to import cocaine and weapons-related charges, authorities said. His wife, Cilia Flores, is also in custody and facing similar charges.
US authorities have accused Maduro and senior members of his government of using drug trafficking and violence to destabilize the region and undermine democratic institutions, allegations detailed in federal indictments.
Starlink, the satellite-based internet network operated by Musk’s SpaceX, has expanded greatly during emergencies and conflicts, providing connectivity in areas where traditional infrastructure has been damaged, blocked or shut down.
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Starlink announced free broadband service in Venezuela on Feb. 3 after the US military arrested President Nicolás Maduro during a military operation, they increased their role in dealing with the crisis. (SpaceX / Fox News)
In recent years, Musk has donated Starlink terminals to California communities after devastating wildfires knocked out internet and cellphone service, leaving residents unable to contact emergency services or loved ones.
He also provided Starlink equipment to parts of western North Carolina after Hurricane Helene in September 2024 left thousands without power or internet for days.
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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 at the Porte de Versailles exhibition center in Paris, France, on June 16, 2023. (Photos by Gonzalo Fuentes/REUTERS/Reuters)
Beyond natural disasters, Starlink has played a prominent role in international conflicts.
The satellite network has been widely used in Ukraine since Russia invaded in February 2022, helping to maintain communications for citizens, government agencies and military units amid widespread infrastructure damage.
Musk once described Starlink as “the backbone of Ukraine’s military,” emphasizing the growing influence of private technology companies in today’s conflicts and the country’s crises.
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It is unclear whether Starlink will add free service to Venezuela after Feb. 3 or how long internet access within the country may be affected as the political situation continues to evolve.
