The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has dealt a significant blow to Elon Musk’s Starlink by rejecting its ambitious $886 million subsidy bid from the Universal Service Fund. This denial, part of the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF) program, has sparked controversy and echoes a similar setback faced by SpaceX last year.
The FCC’s rejection stems from skepticism about Starlink’s ability to deliver the promised broadband service in rural areas. The bid faced scrutiny for failing to meet the FCC’s requirements, raising concerns about Starlink’s eligibility for nearly $900 million in universal service funds. This decision underscores the FCC’s commitment to ensuring reliable and affordable high-speed broadband for consumers across the nation.
Background and SpaceX’s Appeal
SpaceX, the aerospace company behind Starlink, had secured a bid last year to deploy a “low-latency internet” service across over 640,000 locations in 35 states, funded by the RDOF. The FCC’s decision to deny the subsidy follows a similar move last year, prompting an appeal from SpaceX. The rejection raises questions about the criteria for awarding funds and the obligations placed on subsidy recipients.
FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel defended the decision, emphasizing the agency’s responsibility to be a good steward of limited public funds. She stated that the FCC conducted a thorough legal, technical, and policy review and found that Starlink failed to meet the basic program requirements necessary for nearly $900 million in universal service funds over almost a decade.
Dissenting Opinion and Defense
While the majority of the FCC supported the decision, Commissioner Brendan Carr dissented, arguing that the FCC has not previously demanded award winners to demonstrate meeting service obligations years in advance. Christopher Cardaci, head of legal at SpaceX, defended Starlink’s bid, highlighting its crucial role in connecting Americans in rural and remote areas where reliable, affordable, and available high-speed internet remains a challenge.
The FCC’s denial of Starlink’s substantial subsidy bid raises important questions about the criteria for awarding funds for rural broadband expansion. SpaceX’s appeal and the dissenting opinion within the FCC indicate that the decision will likely face further scrutiny. The outcome of this dispute will have significant implications for the future of Starlink’s involvement in bridging the digital divide in underserved areas across the United States.