Rural fiber internet expansion is at risk as Trump administration holds funds
1 min read
Summary
Concerns are growing that US fibre internet providers in rural areas risk missing out on promised government funds that would enhance internet reliability, as the new administration under Joe Biden rethinks the initiative.
Louisiana-based provider Cajun Broadband has received $33m under the plan, but other providers are worried that the money is not being directed to them, with claims that the Biden administration may prioritise satellite services.
The Trump-appointed head of the programme has left and the new administration is considering a shift in funds towards satellite providers such as Elon Musk’s Starlink, which would be faster and cheaper to implement but could prove more expensive for residents in the long term.
Starlink has not received any funding under the current programme, but this may change under Biden.