SpaceX’s Starlink is stepping in to support emergency response and relief efforts in Cape Verde after the devastating storm that struck the country on August 11. Alongside on-the-ground connectivity assistance, Starlink is also providing one month of free service to both new and existing customers in the region.
The update came directly from Starlink’s official X account after a user inquired about whether the company had enacted any exceptional measures in the wake of the storm. Starlink confirmed that relief work is underway and that affected customers will benefit from complimentary service.
This marks the latest in a growing list of disaster-relief initiatives by SpaceX’s satellite internet service. Just last month, Starlink supported flood response efforts in Texas by supplying connectivity where terrestrial networks had gone down. In June, the company offered free service to Canadians impacted by wildfires, enabling emergency responders and residents alike to stay connected during evacuations and power outages.
With its ability to deliver high-speed internet to remote or infrastructure-compromised areas, Starlink has quickly become a critical tool for emergency operations around the world. Whether it’s restoring communications in disaster zones, enabling rescue teams to coordinate more effectively, or providing affected communities with essential connectivity, the service has proven to be a lifeline in times of crisis.
As extreme weather events become more frequent, Starlink’s global satellite network is increasingly being leaned on for resilience. For Cape Verde, where recovery efforts are ongoing, having reliable connectivity could help speed up both emergency response and longer-term rebuilding.
