Starlink announced on Thursday that it will provide free satellite internet service until July 25 for customers in parts of Venezuela affected by the powerful earthquakes that struck the country a day earlier.
The initiative is aimed at restoring communication in disaster-hit communities where damage to critical infrastructure has disrupted connectivity.
Existing customers with active subscriptions in the impacted regions will automatically receive account credits, while former subscribers can reactivate their service using the same credits.
The company also said new customers who purchase Starlink satellite kits can contact customer support after activation to obtain the complimentary service period.
Venezuela’s Acting President Delcy Rodriguez expressed appreciation to Elon Musk and the Starlink team for the emergency support in a post on the social media platform X.
“Thank you, Elon Musk and the Starlink team, for supporting those affected by the earthquakes in Venezuela with free connectivity,” Rodriguez said.
She added: “Every connection counts during times like these.”
Internet access across Venezuela declined significantly on Wednesday after two powerful earthquakes damaged electricity and telecommunications infrastructure, according to internet monitoring organisation NetBlocks.
Data released by the group showed a sharp drop in nationwide connectivity following the magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 earthquakes, which disrupted sections of the country’s communications network.
Earlier, Rodriguez declared a national state of emergency as authorities assessed extensive damage to infrastructure across northern Venezuela.
