Broadband

Rural internet program on hold as Musk's satellites get new consideration

2025-04-01 00:00:00 +0000 UTC | Importance: 8/10

Trump administration pauses the $42 billion Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) program to implement ’tech-neutral’ approach, potentially allowing Elon Musk’s Starlink to receive $10-20 billion in federal grants instead of the original $4.1 billion. Critics argue this …

Donald Trump Trump Administration Elon Musk Department of Commerce Howard Lutnick government-contracts starlink broadband federal-grants musk-benefits

Commerce Department changes broadband policies benefiting Starlink up to $20B

2025-03-01 00:00:00 +0000 UTC | Importance: 8/10

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick overhauled the $42.5B BEAD broadband program to adopt “tech-neutral approach” allowing satellite providers like Starlink to receive $10-20B instead of expected $4.1B, while directing staff to “increase satellite usage regardless of other …

Howard Lutnick Department of Commerce Elon Musk Starlink conflict-of-interest regulatory-capture starlink broadband musk-benefits