FCC Denies Starlink's $900 Million Rural Broadband Subsidies

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has upheld its decision to deny Starlink, SpaceX's satellite broadband service, nearly $900 million in rural broadband subsidies. The FCC stated that Starlink failed to meet the requirements for participating in the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF), which includes providing 100 Mbps download speeds and 20 Mbps upload speeds. SpaceX expressed disappointment and argued that Starlink is one of the best options to connect unserved and underserved Americans in rural areas. The FCC's decision has been criticized by dissenting Republican FCC Commissioners.