The shift in U.S. broadband policy reduces the emphasis on fiber, potentially directing billions to Starlink

U.S. broadband policy now favors Starlink over fiber, triggering criticism over reliability and speed.

: The Trump administration has revised the U.S. Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program, moving billions potentially towards Starlink. This policy change reduces the preference for fiber-optic infrastructure despite concerns over slower and less reliable internet services. Critics argue that abandoning fiber priority may hamper advancements in telehealth and gaming due to limited bandwidth and asymmetrical speeds. Proponents suggest eliminating regulatory barriers but face accusations of favoritism, specifically referencing Elon Musk's role and potential conflicts of interest.

The U.S. broadband policy has undergone a significant change with the Trump administration announcing a shift in the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program. This program, initially endowed with $42.45 billion, was originally focused on promoting fiber-optic internet infrastructure under the Biden administration. The Biden administration had favored fiber due to its future-proof nature, its capacity for higher bandwidth, and the ease with which it could be upgraded. These aspects made it a suitable choice for supporting 5G and other advanced wireless services reliant on fiber for backhaul. The revised policy now directs a substantial portion of funding to technologies not based on fiber, prominently featuring Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite service, which could potentially receive between $10 to $20 billion.

Critics have expressed significant concern over this policy shift, suggesting that it might lead to slower and less reliable internet. This apprehension stems from fiber's known advantages, including faster speeds, higher bandwidth, and symmetrical upload and download capabilities. Critics, notably Democrats and advocacy groups like the Benton Institute for Broadband & Society, argue that prioritizing non-fiber technologies could adversely affect areas requiring high bandwidth such as telehealth and gaming. Frank Pallone Jr., the House Commerce Committee's Ranking Member, even criticized the move as a deliberate undermining of efforts to provide reliable broadband, going so far as to label Elon Musk a "grifter".

In contrast, the Trump administration defends its approach as "tech-neutral," aiming to provide cost-effective internet access. Howard Lutnick, the Secretary of Commerce, criticized the previous policy as constrained by "woke mandates" and regulations, which he argues have failed to connect people to the internet. The administration believes that reducing bureaucratic red tape could expedite infrastructure projects and stabilize high-speed internet access. This perspective holds that previous biases towards certain technologies, namely fiber, limited efficient resource allocation and ultimately taxpayer value.

While the shift away from fiber might grant Starlink significant benefits, including eligibility for other federal funding, it hasn't been without controversy. Concerns have been raised over potential conflicts of interest since Elon Musk has connections to the Trump administration. Reports infer that Starlink might inherit a $2 billion contract from the Federal Aviation Administration, although SpaceX has denied intentions to replace existing contracts. In addition, FCC Chairman Brendan Carr has shown support for Starlink, signaling more favorable opportunities for federal grants in the future.

As this policy revamp unfolds, it invites broader discourse on the best paths to broadband equity and technological infrastructure. Advocacy groups fear the equity component may suffer if non-fiber solutions do not meet necessary reliability standards. Additionally, technological proponents raise questions about the long-term benefits of such infrastructure investments, pointing out the essential role fiber plays in future-proofing internet access. Despite criticism, the administration remains focused on streamlining legislative processes, hopeful that a decrease in regulations can facilitate a more efficient expansion of the nation's network infrastructure.

Sources: TechSpot, Benton Institute for Broadband & Society, Federal Communications Commission

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