The $42.5 billion Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program was designed to deliver high-speed fiber internet to underserved rural communities, ensuring equitable access to the digital world. However, recent developments indicate a troubling shift in priorities.
Evan Feinman, the outgoing director of the BEAD program, has raised alarms about the current administration’s intentions to divert substantial funds to Elon Musk’s Starlink, a satellite-based internet service. Feinman warns that this move could leave rural America with subpar internet service, enriching billionaires at the expense of quality infrastructure.
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has announced a “rigorous review” of the BEAD program, criticizing it for not yet connecting any individuals and attributing this to “woke mandates” and regulatory burdens. This rhetoric paves the way for policy shifts favoring satellite providers like Starlink, potentially sidelining the superior fiber-optic solutions that BEAD was set to prioritize.
Feinman’s departure and cautionary message highlight a broader issue: the infiltration of corporate interests into public policy. The potential redirection of funds from fiber projects to satellite services compromises the quality of internet service for rural communities. It funnels public money into the coffers of the ultra-wealthy.
We must oppose this corporate takeover of our public infrastructure. High-speed fiber internet is a public good and a necessity in today’s digital age. Allowing billionaires to dictate the quality and accessibility of our internet services undermines the principles of equity and public welfare.
The Eclectic Educator is a free resource for everyone passionate about education and creativity. If you enjoy the content and want to support the newsletter, consider becoming a paid subscriber. Your support helps keep the insights and inspiration coming!