USA: Ex-director of Internet expansion program warns against Starlink

In an email to his ex-colleagues, the outgoing director of the Program for Internet Expansion in Rural Areas of the USA (BEAD) warns against providers such as Starlink. Evan Fineman's main criticism is that Starlink, as a replacement for faster fiber optic connections, only has the advantage of bringing in more money for Elon Musk. He even goes so far as to speak of fraud on the part of Washington. His term of office ended last Friday and was not extended.

Previously, the US Department of Commerce had changed a rule in the program that excluded providers such as Starlink and gave preference to broadband fibre optic connections. The move was justified by the removal of "meaningless requirements" implemented by the previous administration.

Criticism from the ex-director

Investigative journalist Craig Silverman shared screenshots of the email on Bluesky. In it, ex-director Fineman admits that the current government is still learning and needs to look further into the program.

Additionally, Fineman urges his former colleagues to try to talk to members of their congressional delegations and the Trump administration to remove the unnecessary parts of the regulation, but maintain flexibility for the states. This would ensure the best possible connection for citizens.

Another major point of criticism from Fineman is that work can already begin in three states and is being slowed down by the government. Other states have almost or completely finished their plans for the projects and are waiting for funding approval.

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(tlz)