Slowing BEAD to Speed Up Satellites: Evaluating Trade-Offs in Rural Connectivity

The Commerce Department is considering changes to the distribution of the $42 billion Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment program that could significantly delay broadband deployment and redirect billions away from fiber and fixed wireless in favor of Low-Earth Orbit satellite services like Starlink’s. LEO satellites have distinct advantages in remote areas, but they also have technical & economic tradeoffs that would undermine BEAD’s long-term goals of reliable, scalable broadband access. Any reforms we make to BEAD should accelerate our progress, safeguard state choice over the technologies they invest in, and ensure rural America enjoys enduring, robust connectivity. Some key risks of the proposed changes include:

• Delayed Deployment
• Worse Consumer Outcomes
• Higher Cost to Consumers
• Local Economic Impact