Trump administration to shift funding, preference away from fiber optics infrastructure
According to TechSpot, the Trump administration has announced a shift that will eliminate the preference for fiber optic Internet infrastructure within the $42.45 billion Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program. This change is expected to redirect substantial funding towards non-fiber technologies, such as Elon Musk's Starlink satellite service, potentially allocating between $10 billion and $20 billion to such providers.
This move marks a departure from the Biden administration's approach, which emphasized fiber-optic networks as the most future-proof and reliable option for broadband deployment, TechSpot reported.
The BEAD program was authorized by Congress in November 2021, with the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) developing rules under the Biden administration. These rules prioritized end-to-end fiber-optic architecture due to its ability to be easily upgraded by replacing equipment at the ends of fiber-optic facilities.
This approach also supports the deployment of 5G and other advanced wireless services, which rely heavily on fiber for backhaul. However, the Trump administration has criticized these rules as overly restrictive and ineffective.
The Trump administration is adopting a "tech-neutral" approach to provide Internet access at the lowest cost to taxpayers. This shift includes exploring ways to cut government red tape that slows down infrastructure construction to deliver high-speed Internet access efficiently and effectively.
The decision to end the fiber preference has been criticized by Democrats and advocacy groups. Despite these concerns, the Trump administration is moving forward with changes, aiming to reduce bureaucratic hurdles and expedite infrastructure construction. Republicans are also proposing legislative changes to eliminate what they see as burdensome conditions imposed by the Biden administration.
Meanwhile, Starlink could benefit significantly from these changes, potentially gaining access to substantial funding through both the BEAD program and other federal initiatives. Critics of the shift have cited potential conflict of interest, given Elon Musk's role in Trump's new administration.
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