ACommerce Department official responsible for promoting rural broadband has sent an email to coworkers expressing concerns that the Trump administration plans to allocate funds intended for rural broadband expansion directly to Elon Musk’s satellite internet business, thereby increasing his wealth even more.
"Erecting barriers to quality internet for rural parts of America just to further enrich the globe’s wealthiest individual exemplifies the series of betrayals perpetrated by our nation’s capital," wrote Evan Feinman, who leads the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program, in an internal email to his team members. obtained According to Politico, BEAD is a $42.5 billion initiative established through the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
Feinman expressed his disappointment at being unable to oversee the project to completion. The details surrounding Feinman's departure remain unclear. He also emphasized that the administration should “NOT modify [BEAD] to favor technologies that offer reduced speeds at increased expenses for the households footing the bill.”
Musk is a key figure in Trump’s administration, serving as the head of the purported Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Occasionally, he seems to take on the additional role of co-president. So far, his involvement continues. utilized his significant (and unappointed) authority to tear down regulators those overseeing his business ventures and compelling the government to engage with his firms, including instructing Federal Aviation Administration personnel to secure tens of millions of dollars in contracts for his companies. to finance a deal involving Starlink .
Providing high-speed internet in countryside regions is crucial as it ensures residents have equal chances compared to their counterparts in cities—this includes accessing work-from-home positions, virtual healthcare consultations, digital learning platforms, reliable channels for emergency personnel communications, and various forms of media enjoyment. Additionally, having robust broadband infrastructure in these areas aids local enterprises' expansion and attracts significant investments from major companies.
Rural Americans depending on Starlink for their internet needs places Musk in a position where he can disconnect service whenever he chooses. This was highlighted weeks ago by Reuters. reported The U.S. reportedly warned Ukraine, stating they might revoke their access to Starlink, which is crucial for coordinating military efforts against Russia’s invasion. However, Musk has publicly refuted this claim.
Feinman urged individuals to voice their concerns to their representatives and the White House regarding the use of Starlink for providing rural internet services.
“Contact your congressional representatives and also reach out to the Trump administration to request the removal of unnecessary regulations, but ensure they do not take away states' ability to provide optimal services for their citizens,” he stated.
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