Overview

• Evan Feinman, the outgoing director of the $42.5 billion Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program, criticized proposed changes that could favor satellite internet over fiber connections.
• The Trump administration’s push for 'technology neutrality' could significantly increase Starlink’s share of BEAD funding, potentially rising from $4 billion to $20 billion.
• Fiber-optic networks, initially prioritized under the Biden administration, offer faster and more reliable service but require higher upfront investments compared to satellite options like Starlink.
• Three states—Louisiana, Delaware, and Nevada—are ready to begin broadband buildouts but remain stalled due to the administration's review and potential program changes.
• Feinman urged state leaders to advocate for maintaining flexibility and prioritizing high-quality internet solutions to avoid delays and suboptimal outcomes for rural communities.