SpaceX’s Gwynne Shotwell announced a major transaction with EchoStar on September 8, 2025, where SpaceX agreed to acquire 50 MHz of wireless spectrum and mobile satellite service spectrum licenses from EchoStar. The deal involves EchoStar selling its AWS-4 and H-block spectrum licenses in …
The Trump Administration leveraged trade negotiations to promote Starlink’s global expansion, with countries like Lesotho, Bangladesh, and India expediting satellite internet service approvals in exchange for potential trade concessions.
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 …
In March 2025, SpaceX’s DOGE team installed a Starlink satellite internet terminal at the White House, bypassing standard communication security protocols. Congressional Democrats raised significant national security concerns about potential cybersecurity vulnerabilities and conflicts of …
The U.S. State Department, led by Ambassador Sharon Cromer, pressured Gambian officials to approve Starlink’s business license by implying potential cuts to U.S. developmental aid. The campaign targeted Lamin Jabbi, head of the Communications Ministry, and escalated to direct appeals to …
Starlink has secured contracts and deployed internet infrastructure across multiple federal agencies, including the FAA, GSA, and Customs and Border Protection. The rapid adoption has raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest, particularly given Musk’s close ties to the Trump …
FAA approves 4,000 Starlink terminals worth $400 million despite existing contract with another company, while State Department announces $400 million Tesla Cybertruck contract and Commerce changes broadband requirements favoring Starlink.
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 …
FAA approved shipment of 4,000 Starlink terminals and ordered staff to find “tens of millions of dollars” for Starlink deal while considering canceling $2.4B Verizon contract for air traffic control communications. Creates conflict as DOGE leader Musk oversees federal spending cuts while …