Summary
Elon Musk, co-leading Trump’s “Department of Government Efficiency,” could influence U.S. broadband funding to benefit Starlink, his satellite internet company.
The Biden administration’s $42.45 billion BEAD program prioritizes fiber optics for rural broadband, but Starlink has been excluded for failing to meet performance standards.
Musk has criticized the program as wasteful and could push for funding delays or reallocation, benefiting Starlink as the only option in underserved areas.
Critics warn this shift favors Musk’s financial interests over reliable fiber infrastructure, raising conflict-of-interest concerns.
Even a broken clock is right twice a day. As much as I hate the idea of Musk cutting infrastructure spending for broadband, I think it wouldn’t hurt to cut this part. We’ve had multiple occasions where telecom companies take the money and run while not being held accountable by the government. Does that make him the right person for the job? Absolutely fucking not.