- Advocacy group criticizes US plan to allocate broadband funds to Musk, critics argue fiber-optic networks are faster and more reliable than satellites.
- Free Press claims Starlink does not need taxpayer subsidies for profitability.
- Concerns raised about conflicts of interest involving Musk and Trump administration.
Free Press, an internet advocacy group, has voiced serious concerns about reports suggesting that the U.S. government may steer a significant portion of its $42.5 billion rural broadband initiative toward Elon Musk’s Starlink.
Originally, the program was designed to expand reliable broadband access through fiber-optic networks, which are known for their speed and long-term sustainability.
However, under the leadership of Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, there are indications that satellite-based providers like Starlink could be prioritized instead. Critics argue that such a shift could undermine the program’s original goals and favor Musk’s business interests over more enduring solutions.
Craig Aaron, co-chief of Free Press, has been particularly vocal in his criticism. He accused the Trump administration of derailing bipartisan efforts to provide affordable and dependable internet to rural communities, claiming that these changes disproportionately benefit Musk.
Aaron underscored that fiber-optic networks not only offer faster and more reliable service than satellite-based options but also align more closely with the program’s intent to bridge the digital divide. He further raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest, pointing out Musk’s dual roles as both a government advisor and a significant donor to Donald Trump’s 2024 campaign.
Surprise surprise: @ElonMusk hasn’t found a cent of waste or fraud in the $13 billion his companies receive from the taxpayer.
His company Starlink is now trying to swipe a $2.4bn FAA contract on top of that.
Don’t be fooled by claims of “efficiency”: It’s pure corruption. pic.twitter.com/U7eib7Oenf
— Daniel Goldman (@danielsgoldman) March 3, 2025
This debate comes on the heels of earlier decisions by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) during the Biden administration, which rejected Starlink’s applications for federal subsidies. The FCC had cited concerns over Starlink’s ability to meet speed and affordability benchmarks, ultimately denying nearly $900 million in funding.
The agency argued that Starlink’s service was expensive and did not adequately address the needs of underserved areas. Despite these setbacks, reports suggest that the Trump administration is now leaning toward favoring Musk’s ventures across various sectors, including defense contracts and broadband funding.
Free Press has also questioned the necessity of directing taxpayer dollars toward Starlink, arguing that the company is already profitable without public subsidies. The group expressed frustration over what it sees as a misallocation of resources intended to close the digital divide for millions of Americans who still lack reliable internet access.
For them, this potential policy shift represents not just a missed opportunity but a betrayal of the program’s original mission to deliver equitable broadband infrastructure nationwide.
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Last Updated on March 5, 2025 by 247 News Around The World
