Broadband Breakfast on December 3, 2025 - Satellite Broadband and BEAD

Full Event Video:

Satellite internet is fast becoming a key part of the U.S. broadband landscape. As low-Earth orbit constellations expand and reliability improves, attention is turning to policy considerations, including spectrum coordination, orbital congestion, and how environmental and licensing reviews should apply to satellite providers. This BroadbandLive discussion will examine how satellite broadband is evolving and how its role under BEAD could shape the future of universal connectivity in America.

Satellite Broadband Emerges as Major Player in Federal BEAD Program

Satellite providers are securing 22 percent of federal broadband funding by offering immediate connectivity where fiber deployment could take years.

Broadband BreakfastBroadband Breakfast

Panelists

• Steven Hill, President, Satellite Broadcast and Communications Association
• David Zumwalt, President and CEO, WISPA
• Drew Clark (moderator), CEO and Publisher, Broadband Breakfast

Steven Hill has more than 30 years of experience in the consumer satellite industry. Since joining the SBCA in 2004, Mr. Hill spearheads the industry efforts to ensure consumer rights, fighting discriminatory taxes, the use of satellite to support disaster recovery along with advancements in satellite delivered high-speed broadband. In addition, he oversees the Association's efforts in the areas of advocacy, membership, education, professional licensing and certification. 

David Zumwalt serves as President & CEO of WISPA – The Association for Broadband Without Boundaries. David has held several roles working in the technology and radio frequency space. Prior to joining WISPA, he served as Chief Operating Officer of Broadband VI, a major Internet Service Provider in the US Virgin Islands, where his role included full P&L responsibility and had a primary mission to prepare the company to scale.

Breakfast Media LLC CEO Drew Clark has led the Broadband Breakfast community since 2008. An early proponent of better broadband, better lives, he initially founded the Broadband Census crowdsourcing tool to collect and verify broadband data left unpublished by the Federal Communications Commission. As CEO and Publisher, Clark presides over the leading media community advocating for higher-capacity internet everywhere through topical, timely and intelligent coverage. Clark also served as head of the Partnership for a Connected Illinois, a state broadband initiative.