Venezuela Approves SpaceX to Operate Satellite Internet Services

en.Wedoany.com Reported - On October 9, Venezuela's telecommunications regulator Conatel announced that it had approved the comprehensive telecommunications operating authorization HGTS-00639 for SpaceX affiliate SPACEX VZ, S.C.A., and granted 7 Ku-band concession licenses. The relevant decision was approved by the regulator's board on October 8, allowing Starlink to officially provide satellite internet services nationwide in Venezuela and to be subject to local regulation.

The comprehensive operating authorization granted by Conatel this time is numbered HGTS-00639, accompanied by 7 Ku-band concession licenses. The approved company will conduct satellite internet business as a local operating entity and be subject to supervision by the telecommunications regulator. The relevant authorization covers the nationwide service area, and the regulator has not yet announced the official commercial service launch date, terminal sales prices, or user package arrangements.

Prior to this license approval, Starlink had already conducted satellite communication technology tests in Venezuela. On June 24, 2026, an earthquake occurred in La Guaira, severely damaging some local landline telephone and internet infrastructure. Conatel subsequently issued temporary testing permits for new technology equipment to companies for emergency communication support.

During the temporary permit period, Starlink conducted Direct to Device (D2D) tests with three mobile communication operators in the country, transmitting text messages via satellite networks. At the same time, the company was permitted to conduct Ku-band communication tests under relaxed equivalent power flux density (EPFD) restrictions. The regulator confirmed that the relevant tests have been completed and were used for communication connectivity in disaster-affected areas.

Building on the previous temporary tests, SpaceX and Conatel discussed local telecommunications regulatory requirements through on-site and remote working meetings, after which SPACEX VZ, S.C.A. submitted a formal operating application. The nationwide operating authorization approved this time enables the company to move from temporary technical testing to a stage of satellite internet services with formal licensing.