SpaceX Urges FCC to End $4.5 Billion Rural Broadband Program as Starlink Claims Rural Access Is Solved
Updated
Updated · Benzinga · May 18
SpaceX Urges FCC to End $4.5 Billion Rural Broadband Program as Starlink Claims Rural Access Is Solved
1 articles · Updated · Benzinga · May 18
A May 13 SpaceX letter asked the FCC to shut down the $4.5 billion High-Cost program, arguing rural high-speed broadband subsidies are no longer needed.
Starlink, SpaceX said, already delivers performance comparable to terrestrial broadband at competitive prices and should make the program obsolete over time.
The company urged the FCC to redirect the money to other universal-service efforts instead of continuing support for rural internet providers.
The push follows the Biden administration's earlier decision to rescind more than $885 million in funding for Starlink over doubts it could meet high-speed service standards.
With Starlink claiming victory on rural internet, are its other federal subsidies still justified?
Could ending internet subsidies trap rural America under a satellite monopoly with soaring prices?