House Committee Investigates FCC’s Decision on Starlink Subsidies

The Leader Globe09 Oct, 2024Business

The U.S. House Oversight Committee is looking into the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) recent decision to deny SpaceX’s Starlink $885.5 million in rural broadband subsidies. The committee, led by Chair James Comer, has requested the FCC provide all relevant documents by October 21. This investigation aims to ensure the FCC’s decision-making process was transparent and not politically motivated. In December 2020, the FCC tentatively awarded $9.2 billion to more than 300 companies to expand high-speed broadband across rural areas. Starlink was set to receive $885.5 million to provide service to 642,000 homes and businesses in 35 states. However, in August 2022, the FCC withdrew Starlink’s funding, citing concerns about its ability to meet program requirements.