How Elon Musk’s Starlink lost out on $886 mn in rural broadband subsidies in US – Explained

Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite internet project, a venture aimed at providing broadband access to underserved rural areas in the United States, has been denied an $85.5 million subsidy from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The funding, part of the FCC’s Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF), was intended to enhance internet accessibility in remote regions.

The FCC explained that Starlink failed to meet the necessary criteria and did not comply with fundamental program requirements, leading to the denial of the subsidy. Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel emphasized the FCC’s responsibility to ensure reliable and affordable high-speed broadband access for consumers and to be prudent in using public funds to expand rural broadband.