Musk's SpaceX Looking to Compete for $16 Billion in Federal Broadband Subsidies

Elon Musk’s SpaceX is seeking to qualify for federal subsidies to provide broadband service to rural areas, over the objections of competitors who say its satellite-based technology is unproven. The company, formally known as Space Exploration Technologies Corp., has convinced the Federal Communications Commission to propose a policy change that would improve its chances of winning federal funds to expand internet service in far-flung parts of the US, records show. In meetings with FCC staff, representatives of SpaceX said it should qualify for the money alongside companies that already provide broadband in remote areas through fiber-optic cable, according to a lobbying disclosure filed by SpaceX with the FCC. The FCC has yet to decide whether the company will be awarded funding.