Venezuela has formally authorized Starlink, SpaceX’s satellite internet service, to operate in the country. Reuters reported on Friday, October 9, that interim President Delcy Rodriguez authorized Starlink. The government announced it in a statement and described it as “part of an agreement with the US firm,” Reuters said.
What the permits cover
Venezuela’s telecom regulator, Conatel, issued “a general operating authorisation and seven concessions,” according to Investing.com. The permits cover Ku-band frequencies and went to a company called SpaceX VZ, S.C.A. Venezuelan business outlet Banca y Negocios, citing Conatel’s statement, also reported the seven concessions.
Earthquake relief and earlier steps
Investing.com reports that Starlink equipment was deployed after the June 24 earthquakes damaged telecom infrastructure in La Guaira state. The US Embassy in Caracas said more than 1,600 connectivity kits went to rescue, medical and humanitarian groups. Earlier temporary trials included direct-to-device text messaging via satellite using Venezuela’s three mobile network operators, and in March the retailer MultiMax announced an agreement to distribute Starlink equipment. Investing.com adds that Starlink’s commercial launch in India remains subject to further approvals.
What is not known
The reports we read give no pricing, no sign-up date and no word on whether existing kits can be activated. We covered Starlink’s approval fight in another country in India Rejects Musk’s Claim That Oligarchs Are Blocking Starlink.
Our take: this is a legal approval, and the reports give no pricing or sign-up details yet. Conatel says the authorisation follows Starlink’s help after the June 24 earthquakes. The details that matter next are price, availability and who can sign up. Reuters called Rodriguez the interim president, and we have kept to that description.
