Former Broadband Program Director Warns of Risks to Rural Internet Access Under Proposed Changes
Evan Feinman warns that shifting funding priorities may disadvantage rural Americans, favoring satellite internet over fiber connections under the new administration.
This shift from fiber to satellite would be a disservice to rural and small-town America.
Top Broadband Director Warns of Musk Handout in Scathing Email Exit
CNET·1M·ReliableThis source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.CenterThis outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.
Feinman warned of "significant risk that the changes being proposed will be ill-considered and create deeply negative outcomes."
Trump plan to fund Musk’s Starlink over fiber called “betrayal” of rural US
ARS Technica·1M·ReliableThis source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.CenterThis outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.
The buildout of fiber networks across rural communities was also expected to create tens of thousands of jobs.
The Guardian·1M·ReliableThis source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.Leans LeftThis outlet slightly leans left.
Summary
Evan Feinman, former head of the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment program, has raised alarms about proposed shifts to internet funding that could harm rural Americans. In a farewell email, he criticized plans to prioritize satellite internet connections over fiber, which could lower service quality and expand the digital divide in rural areas. Feinman urged state leaders to advocate for maintaining fiber priorities to ensure reliable internet access for underserved communities amidst looming administrative changes.
Perspectives
Evan Feinman, former director of the BEAD program, warned that proposed changes under the Trump administration could jeopardize rural broadband by favoring Elon Musk's Starlink satellite service over fiber technology.
Feinman urged Congress and the Trump administration to maintain fiber as the primary technology for rural connectivity, citing concerns over slower and costlier satellite internet connections for consumers.
The ongoing uncertainty around BEAD funding is causing delays for states, with many already prepared to implement their broadband plans, while a shift to technology-neutral policies could further complicate the deployment process.