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The #Trump admin said on Wednesday that it would overhaul a $42B federal grant program aimed at expanding high-speed #internet to the nation, including easing some rules that could benefit #ElonMusk’s #satellite internet service, #Starlink.
The program will be revamped to “take a tech-neutral approach” in its distribution of funds to states, #Commerce Secy #HowardLutnick said.
#law #regulations #USpol #ConflictOfInterest #Kleptocracy #broligarchy #corruption
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/05/technology/broadband-rules-elon-musk-starlink.html?smid=url-share
The program’s rules, which were created during the #Biden admin, previously favored broadband lines made of fiber-optic cables attached to homes.
“The department is ripping out the Biden administration’s pointless requirements,” #HowardLutnick said. The #Commerce Dept will also remove #regulatory & other barriers that slow down construction & connection to households, he added.
#Congress created the '#Broadband #Equity, #Access & Deployment Program' in 2021 to extend broadband to the most remote areas of the nation. The #Commerce Dept came up w/standards & rules for states & territories applying for the funds—including the preference for fiber-optic broadband, to provide fast #internet speeds.
#Musk, #Trump’s adviser & #DOGE leader, is chief exec of #SpaceX, the rocket co that makes #Starlink. Starlink uses low-altitude #satellites to beam internet service to dishes…
#Musk’s business interests…have prompted concerns about #ConflictsOfInterest as he makes important decisions in DC.
Wed, #PublicInterest groups expressed concern that #HowardLutnick’s plans to change the #broadband program will benefit Musk.
“Fiber broadband is widely understood to be better than other internet options — like #Starlink’s #satellites — because it delivers significantly faster speeds,” said Drew Garner, dir of policy engagement for nonprofit Benton Inst for Broadband & Society.