FCC Chair-Elect Says Reinstating Starlink Subsidy Unlikely

WASHINGTON, Nov 21 – The incoming chair of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), Brendan Carr, has stated that it is “very unlikely” the commission will reconsider its 2022 decision to deny Starlink, the satellite internet division of SpaceX, $885.5 million in rural broadband subsidies.

Carr, who is set to take over as chair on January 20, addressed the issue with reporters on Thursday, explaining that the FCC’s decision had been reaffirmed in 2023, and no further appeal or reconsideration by Starlink has been made since. This statement casts doubt on any future efforts to reinstate the funding for the satellite internet provider.

The decision to deny Starlink the subsidy has been a point of contention, particularly given the company’s mission to provide high-speed internet access to rural and underserved areas. However, Carr’s remarks indicate that unless there is a significant change, the subsidy denial is expected to stand.