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Venezuela authorizes Starlink satellite internet operations
Venezuela's National Telecommunications Commission (Conatel) has formally authorized SpaceX's Starlink to provide satellite internet services throughout the country. The regulator granted seven general concessions in the Ku band to the local subsidiary, SpaceX VZ, S. C. A., requiring the company to maintain a legal domicile and submit to state supervision.
The decision follows technical cooperation provided by Starlink during a seismic emergency on June 24, 2026, which severely damaged terrestrial fiber optic and mobile infrastructure in La Guaira. During that period, the company tested Direct to Device (D2D) technology, enabling text messaging via satellite for local mobile operators.
This authorization allows users to contract services directly within Venezuela, utilizing the local banking network for payments and receiving equipment via home delivery. The move is framed by the Venezuelan government as part of a policy to democratize technological access and improve connectivity in rural and isolated regions where terrestrial infrastructure is insufficient.
Entities
Conatel · Delcy Rodríguez · Elon Musk · La Guaira · SpaceX · SpaceX VZ S. C. A. · Starlink · Venezuela
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] The company must maintain a formal domicile and be subject to fiscalization within the country. www.estamosenlinea.com.ve · revistaplus.com.py · www.el-carabobeno.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Temporary permits allowed for the testing of Direct to Device (D2D) technology. www.estamosenlinea.com.ve · revistaplus.com.py · www.el-carabobeno.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Starlink is authorized to provide satellite internet services throughout Venezuela. www.estamosenlinea.com.ve · revistaplus.com.py · www.el-carabobeno.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Conatel granted seven general concessions to Spacex VZ S. C. A. www.estamosenlinea.com.ve · revistaplus.com.py · www.el-carabobeno.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Starlink distributed more than 1,600 connectivity kits in Venezuela following the June earthquake. revistaplus.com.py · www.el-carabobeno.com