Conatel authorizes formal operation of Starlink in Venezuela

The National Telecommunications Commission (Conatel) granted general authorization HGTS-00639 and seven general concessions in the Ku band to the commercial company SpaceX VZ, S.C.A., according to the portal Descifrado, which reported it on Friday, October 9. With this measure, the satellite internet company of tech magnate Elon Musk is authorized to provide formal services with a registered domicile and oversight throughout Venezuelan territory.

The legalization of the service follows the temporary permits granted to the company during the emergency caused by the double earthquake of June 24, which severely affected land infrastructure in the state of La Guaira. According to Contrapunto, Starlink technology helped maintain connectivity in the affected area through earlier tests with local mobile operators.

During that emergency phase, the company distributed connectivity kits to support rescue teams and medical personnel, while the local operator Digitel added low-earth-orbit satellite connectivity to strengthen its mobile network in the coastal region, according to information disseminated by local media.

The formalization of SpaceX VZ before the regulator paves the way for the open commercial sale of satellite internet service in the country, under direct oversight by the Venezuelan state.

Image: SpaceX · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons