Elon Musk’s $260 billion empire will now charge Helene victims $400 for the internet – are we seeing exploitation at its worst?

Elon Musk is no stranger to headlines, but his latest offer of free Starlink internet for Hurricane Helene victims has left many with questions.

While SpaceX initially announced it would waive the $120 monthly subscription fee for the first month in affected areas, there is a significant caveat — victims must purchase Starlink hardware, which costs between $300 and $400, including tax and shipping. This additional cost feels like a slap in the face to people already dealing with the hurricane’s devastation.

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The reaction on the ground was a mixture of gratitude and frustration. Reports from The Register highlighted the experience of North Carolina resident Kinney Baughman, who described the offer as a “bait and switch.”

Beyond the cost, there is the issue of timing. Even if one can raise the money for the hardware, delivery can take two to three weeks. By then, the regular internet may already be up and running, leaving many to wonder if the purchase was necessary. After all, spending $400 on equipment that arrives after you’ve fixed your connectivity issues feels like rubbing salt in the wound.

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Then there is the problem of power. Many areas hardest hit by the hurricane are still without power, making a satellite dish useless until power is restored. It’s not just the money – the logistics of it all seem to be off.

Critics are quick to point out that Elon Musk, whose fortune is estimated at $260 billion, according to Bloomberg, could have offered a more immediate, practical solution. Instead, as some have argued, this offer looks suspiciously like a marketing move disguised as charity.

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And the controversy doesn’t stop there. Musk has recently faced criticism for political donations that have raised eyebrows. Reports show he has contributed tens of millions of dollars to far-right causes, including America First Legal, a group associated with former Trump adviser Stephen Miller.

However, for some, the Starlink service is a game changer. Satellite Internet could be a lifeline in remote areas where infrastructure recovery is slow. It’s easy to see the appeal – connecting with emergency services, contacting family or getting reliable updates could be worth the upfront cost, even if it stings a bit.

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