Starlink and the Precarious Future of Broadband in Rural America

Starlink’s goal is to beam high-speed Internet from space, down to the most remote parts of the world. Even though SpaceX's satellite internet service is still being tested—with mixed reviews—the company is getting a lot of attention in Washington (DC) at a moment when the government is willing to spend taxpayer dollars on infrastructure and take chances on new broadband deployment methods. In 2018 the Federal Communications Commission approved Starlink’s plan to send 12,000 satellites into orbit. In 2020, the company was granted nearly $900 million in winning bids through the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund to help connect rural parts of the country using taxpayer money. Even though space-based Internet is getting a lot of attention, it remains unclear what role it will play in solving the nation’s broadband problem. For now, what is clear is that Starlink has a place at the table. Acting FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel says that when it comes to connecting Americans, all options—including Starlink’s extraterrestrial one—should be considered. “We should be open to every technology that can help bring broadband fast,” Rosenworcel said, “and that is definitely one of them.”