California Plan Proves BEAD Not a Taxpayer-Funded Sop to Starlink, Amazon LEO
California's BEAD plan approved by NTIA on July 17 cut the number of LEO locations by 47%, from 138,000 to 73,000 – more proof that LEOs will not walk off with the lion's share of BEAD billions
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BEAD: The Commerce Department’s NTIA approved on July 17 California’s spending plan under the $42.45 billion BEAD program, leaving Illinois as the only state still awaiting the go-ahead to fund projects. California received more than $1.8 billion, with about $1.4 billion – roughly 77 percent – earmarked for deployment. The plan is expected to reach about 270,500 homes and businesses, down from 339,000 in last year’s draft. California will fund fiber for 53% of locations, low‑Earth orbit satellite for 27%, and fixed wireless for 20%. NTIA said taxpayer support will average $5,234 per location, with ISP per-location matches averaging $3,178.
California’s plan proves once again that Starlink and Amazon Leo will not be feasting on taxpayer money as so many so loudly proclaimed. (More after paywall)
