Satellite
Amazon Enters Satellite Internet Market with First Project Kuiper Launch
The mission was Amazon’s first full-scale deployment
West Virginia
West Va. Labor Leader Wants BEAD to Support Fiber Build
Local CAW executive says fiber means local jobs
BEAD
Former BEAD Director: Trump Admin Could Squander Once-in-a-Generation Fiber Broadband Investment
Proposed changes could raise LEO participation to 50–70% in some states, Feinman said.
Commerce
Local Officials in West Va. Want Fiber, not Satellite, from BEAD
Fiber offers more benefits to residents, the Grant County Commission said.
Commerce
Chris Scharrer: Why Would SpaceX Need $20B from BEAD?
$3.5B can buy 6.4 million Starlink residential installations. Starlink is a practical short-term stopgap before fiber.
Briefs
American Partnering with Viasat and Intelsat on In-flight Wi-Fi
United has a deal with Starlink, and Delta is partnered with Viasat and Hughes
Satellite
House Bill Would Divert BEAD Funds Toward Satellite and Wireless Subsidies
Rep. Taylor has also pushed for satellites to be considered in Appalachian broadband grants.
Satellite
Amazon Delays Kuiper Satellite Launch Due to Weather
The rocket, carrying 27 Kuiper satellites, was grounded due to weather conditions
Expert Opinion
Starlink and DOGE: The $42 Billion Conflict of Interest in Rural Broadband
This combination casts doubt on the government's ability to be truly 'technology neutral'.
UK
Starlink Becomes Punching Bag Amid Global Backlash to Trump Tariffs
Canada’s westernmost territory halts use of Elon Musk’s satellite service, ends presence on X, and pulls Tesla rebates in protest.
Expert Opinion
Tom Reid: Common-Sense Solutions to Closing the Digital Divide in Rural America
The BEAD investment offers great hope to rural America where we have been stuck in the digital divide since the beginning of the Internet age.
Wi-Fi
United to Launch Starlink Wi-Fi in May
Installations will begin immediately, with United aiming to equip 40 regional aircraft per month
Iowa
Iowa Urged to Prioritize Fiber Ahead of Arrival of $415 Million in BEAD Money
Wulfsen argued that fiber is a better long-term investment than satellite.
IIJA
House Bill Could Open Appalachian Broadband Funds to Starlink
GAO study would evaluate whether the Appalachian Regional Commission should fund LEO providers.
BEAD
NTIA Nominee Roth Mostly Noncommittal on Key BEAD Issues
Roth offered no guarantees that states won’t have to restart BEAD subgrantee selections.
New Mexico
New Mexico’s $70 Million Starlink Plan Not in State Budget
State broadband office requested $70 million last November for the Starlink project.
