US Department changes rules for Internet funding program to help Starlink
In a revised version, Starlink will be included in a US funding program that previously only provided for fiber optic connections.
(Image: CG Alex/Shutterstock.com)
The US Department of Commerce wants to change the rules for a funding program to expand internet connections, reports the New York Times. According to the report, Starlink will be able to bring high-speed internet to previously unconnected households as an alternative to fiber optic broadband lines. It has not yet been decided which option will be funded and to what extent. The entire program has a volume of 42 billion dollars.
The program rules that excluded Starlink were passed under former US President Joe Biden. "The department is scrapping the Biden administration's senseless [technical] requirements," Acting Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick is quoted as saying. He also speaks of a technology-neutral approach that is now to be pursued. In his statement, he also argues with "woke" requirements and the Biden administration's preference for certain technologies.
In light of the fact that Elon Musk owns the Starlink project and advises Donald Trump, the change is causing irritation. With the rule change, Starlink could obviously benefit from the funding program. Whether this will be the case remains to be seen.
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The Broadband Equity, Access and Development Program (BEAD)
The aim of the BEAD funding program is to provide all Americans with high-speed Internet. To this end, projects from states and territories that are part of the USA are to be funded. Priority is given to regions that have no Internet connection or a slow Internet connection below 25 Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload or 100 Mbps download and 20 Mbps upload.
(tlz)
