Venezuela’s interim President Delcy Rodriguez has authorized Starlink, the satellite internet service operated by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, to operate within the country. The Venezuelan government announced the authorization in a statement released on Friday, Oct. 9, 2026.
The authorization follows an agreement between the Venezuelan government and the U.S.-based technology firm. The government stated that the move is intended to expand digital inclusion and democratize access to technology for citizens.
SpaceX’s satellite unit has been expanding its global subscriber base by launching additional satellites into orbit. The company currently provides connectivity for residential consumers, enterprise operations, aviation fleets, maritime vessels, and government communication systems.
The authorization provides an alternative to traditional ground-based fiber infrastructure. While the move aims to bridge the digital divide for residents in both urban centers and remote areas, the sources did not report specific subscription costs or the exact number of people expected to sign up for the service.
For small-business owners and enterprise operations in Venezuela, Starlink provides a new option for high-speed connectivity. The government characterized the move as a way to modernize the nation's digital capabilities, though the specific technical requirements for local users to acquire and install the necessary satellite hardware were not detailed in the reports.
The agreement integrates American commercial satellite technology into Venezuela's infrastructure. A specific effective date for when consumer terminals will be available for purchase or activation was not reported. The company continues to seek similar regulatory approvals in other international markets to expand its low Earth orbit satellite constellation.