SpaceX’s (NASDAQ:SPCX) satellite internet unit, Starlink, said on Thursday that it will provide free internet through July 25 to customers in parts of Venezuela hit by two powerful earthquakes, as damaged power and telecommunications networks have left many people struggling to stay connected.
Starlink Offers Free Internet After Venezuela Quakes
Starlink said on X that it is also working to "rapidly deploy Starlink terminals and restore connectivity to the hardest-hit areas.”
The company said through its support page that existing active customers in affected areas will automatically receive credits on their accounts. Customers who previously canceled service will also receive credits that allow them to reactivate connections.
Starlink said new customers in impacted areas who buy a satellite kit can contact customer support after activation to receive free service through July 25. The company also said customers whose Starlink equipment was damaged by the earthquakes can request a free replacement kit.
Earthquakes Knock Out Power And Communications Networks
The announcement came after internet connectivity dropped sharply across Venezuela on Wednesday, when two strong earthquakes damaged power and telecommunications infrastructure, according to internet monitoring group NetBlocks. Network data showed a significant decline in connectivity after magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 earthquakes disrupted parts of the country’s communications infrastructure, NetBlocks said in a post on X.
The earthquakes caused widespread destruction across northern Venezuela, triggering emergency response operations as authorities continued to assess the damage. Acting President Delcy Rodriguez earlier declared a state of emergency after officials reported extensive damage to infrastructure.
Expanding Starlink’s Emergency Connectivity Role
The move adds to Starlink’s growing role in disaster response. The company earlier deployed portable Mini kits for search-and-rescue teams and granted a month of free service to thousands of customers affected by catastrophic flooding in Texas in July 2025.
In 2024, after Hurricanes Helene and Milton battered parts of the U.S., SpaceX offered free Starlink service through the end of the year and worked with T-Mobile US Inc. (NASDAQ:TMUS) to broadcast emergency alerts directly to phones in areas with damaged networks.
Elon Musk highlighted Starlink’s broader disaster-resilience role as recently as last week after a Caribbean telecom provider partnered with SpaceX to keep mobile services running during hurricanes and major infrastructure failures.
According to Benzinga Edge Rankings, SpaceX stock fails to provide a favorable price trend in the Short, Medium and Long term.
Price Action: SpaceX shares fell 0.12% at $152.81 in after-hours trading on Thursday.
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