Ookla: D2D Working in Venezuela After Double Earthquakes
Venezuela earthquakes provide clear case study that direct-to-device satellite can serve as a disaster communications backup.
WASHINGTON, July 14, 2026 – When terrestrial networks experienced near total collapse following twin earthquakes that struck Venezuela's La Guaira state, both fixed broadband and mobile markets shifted to satellite connectivity in a matter of days.
Two days after the 7.2- and 7.5-magnitude earthquakes struck the region on June 24, Movistar, one of Venezuela’s largest mobile operators, received temporary authorization to provide emergency satellite direct-to-device (D2D) mobile services in partnership with Starlink. Usage went from zero to peak usage in five days.
