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Starlink Offers Free Internet in Venezuela After Maduro Arrest
Newsmax ^ | January 5, 2026 | Jim Mishler

Posted on 01/05/2026 5:37:43 PM PST by Navy Patriot

Elon Musk's Starlink announced it will provide free high-speed internet service to people in Venezuela through Feb. 3, following the arrest of former Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro.

In a post on X, Starlink said the service would be offered at no cost during the transition period.

"Starlink is providing free broadband service to the people of Venezuela through February 3, ensuring continued connectivity," the company wrote.

Musk reposted the announcement, adding, "In support of the people of Venezuela," alongside a Venezuelan flag emoji.

Townhall reported the move followed the Trump administration's capture of Maduro after years of U.S. criminal charges related to narcotics trafficking and other alleged offenses.

U.S. leaders had previously described Maduro as illegitimate following disputed elections.

Musk has publicly commented on Venezuela's political situation in recent weeks, expressing support for efforts aimed at changing the country's leadership.

On Jan. 18, as reports circulated that the Trump administration was seeking Maduro's removal, Musk wrote on X, "Maduro is hurting the people of Venezuela, just like his predecessor."

Musk has also suggested Maduro's removal could lead to economic improvement, posting in Spanish, "Venezuela can now have the prosperity it deserves."

Supporters of the operation, including members of the Venezuelan diaspora, have welcomed both Maduro's arrest and Starlink's decision to provide temporary internet access.

Venezuelan journalist Germania Rodriguez Poleo said the development represents a turning point for many citizens.

"We Venezuelans are very, VERY happy that our dictator has been arrested, removed, and will be put through a trial," Poleo said. "It's the first time we're seeing justice in 26 years."

Starlink has not said whether the free service may be extended beyond Feb. 3, nor has the company detailed how many users in Venezuela currently have access to the satellite internet system.

(Excerpt) Read more at newsmax.com ...


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I believe this is a plus for Venezuelan transition back to Capitalism.
1 posted on 01/05/2026 5:37:43 PM PST by Navy Patriot
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To: Navy Patriot
....... Bongino just reported that something heavy is going down in caracass right now with reports of possible gunfire or anti-aircraft fire in Caracas, Venezuela around the presidential pallace

.

2 posted on 01/05/2026 5:47:04 PM PST by R_Kangel ("A nation of sheep will beget a nation ruled by wolves")
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To: Navy Patriot
Citizen journalism to the forefront. Psychological warfare.

3 posted on 01/05/2026 5:47:55 PM PST by philman_36 (Pride breakfasted with plenty, dined with poverty and supped with infamy. Benjamin Franklin)
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To: Navy Patriot

A smart investment by me, living in the PA woods, where the power goes out often. I highly recommend it.

You pay monthly for the connection but the little rectangular dish is owned by me!

A Generac generator and a Starlink on the roof and I’m set for the winters!


4 posted on 01/05/2026 5:48:16 PM PST by airborne (Thank you Rush for helping me find FreeRepublic! )
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To: R_Kangel
....... Bongino just reported that something heavy is going down in caracass right now...

Which platform...since you gave no link. Perhaps I can help with a link.

5 posted on 01/05/2026 5:52:58 PM PST by philman_36 (Pride breakfasted with plenty, dined with poverty and supped with infamy. Benjamin Franklin)
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To: philman_36

Ok so it’s free for a month. Hopefully they get hooked and run with it. They’ll have to get ruthless with the goons first. Put them on trial. Make sure they can’t come back.


6 posted on 01/05/2026 5:59:39 PM PST by DIRTYSECRET
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To: DIRTYSECRET
Ok so it’s free for a month.
Spotlights get turned off when the sun rises.
7 posted on 01/05/2026 6:06:12 PM PST by philman_36 (Pride breakfasted with plenty, dined with poverty and supped with infamy. Benjamin Franklin)
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To: philman_36
"Which platform...since you gave no link. Perhaps I can help with a link."

..... It actually showed up on my facebook feed. I accidentally refreshed the page and it dissappeared so I am only going on the flash I saw by memory. It is also showing up with more detail on some international south american news sources like Columbia 1 and India's News 18.

8 posted on 01/05/2026 6:16:57 PM PST by R_Kangel ("A nation of sheep will beget a nation ruled by wolves")
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To: airborne

My daughter has Starlink....Traveling between Ma & NYS and the Carolinas...she says it’s one of the best investments they made.


9 posted on 01/05/2026 6:18:58 PM PST by Sacajaweau
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To: philman_36

.... It looks like it is in response to some drones in the area!


10 posted on 01/05/2026 6:20:03 PM PST by R_Kangel ("A nation of sheep will beget a nation ruled by wolves")
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To: Navy Patriot
Thank you Mr. Musk. At least the people will know what's happening.

I doubt the people in Ukraine have "real" news available...despite Starlink.

11 posted on 01/05/2026 6:42:07 PM PST by Sacajaweau
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To: Navy Patriot
I believe this is a plus for Venezuelan transition back to Capitalism. I would assume they can communicate freely with each other and have access to information vs. it being government controlled with this move?
12 posted on 01/05/2026 7:39:57 PM PST by Republican Wildcat
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To: Navy Patriot
I believe this is a plus for Venezuelan transition back to Capitalism.

I would assume they can communicate freely with each other and have access to information vs. it being government controlled with this move?

13 posted on 01/05/2026 7:55:12 PM PST by Republican Wildcat
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.


14 posted on 01/05/2026 7:56:16 PM PST by Republican Wildcat
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To: R_Kangel

And once again you provide no link when it seems like you could have copied it and pasted it here, knowing you would be commenting.


15 posted on 01/05/2026 8:58:28 PM PST by philman_36 (Pride breakfasted with plenty, dined with poverty and supped with infamy. Benjamin Franklin)
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To: Navy Patriot

Elon Musk must be driving the globalists nuts.

He’s not a political figure and they can’t appeal to much of anything politically to try to rein him in.


16 posted on 01/06/2026 5:08:16 AM PST by metmom (He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon." Amen. Come, Lord Jesus….)
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To: Republican Wildcat
I would assume they can communicate freely with each other and have access to information vs. it being government controlled with this move?

Yes, I believe Musk will not allow Venezuelan Government censoring.

17 posted on 01/06/2026 7:34:44 AM PST by Navy Patriot (President Trump Decisively Won, Celebrate Recivilization!)
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