(BrightPress.org) – Elon Musk, the founder of Starlink, recently criticized the Biden administration for what he views as a massive waste of taxpayer money. The controversy revolves around the Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) program, part of President Joe Biden’s $1.2 trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Despite the BEAD program’s $42 billion budget, it has failed to deliver high-speed internet to rural areas after three years.
The Washington Times highlighted the program’s shortcomings, noting that no homes or businesses have been connected to new broadband networks since the law was passed in November 2021. Federal Communications Commissioner Brendan Carr voiced frustration, pointing out that not a single project had started. Carr blamed excessive regulations for the delays, describing the process as overly complicated.
Musk, in response to social media comments, suggested that the money spent could have provided 140 million Starlink dishes, serving nearly half of the U.S. population. He called the program an “outrageous waste of taxpayer money” and criticized its inefficiency. Starlink, a network of low-orbit satellites developed by Musk’s company SpaceX, offers internet services to rural areas and has expanded rapidly since its first launch in 2019.
The BEAD program has been hindered by regulatory issues, with officials projecting the start of modernization projects between 2025 and 2026, with completion expected by 2030. Carr criticized the administration’s additional requirements that states must meet before receiving funds.
Musk’s SpaceX, founded in 2002, has positioned Starlink as a viable solution for rural internet access. Starlink has been praised for providing internet to remote areas and has played a crucial role in supporting Ukraine’s defense communications. As of May 2024, Starlink serves three million customers across 100 countries and territories, reflecting the growing demand for fast internet access.
However, the Biden administration’s program remains mired in delays. Musk’s criticism extends to other areas of government spending, such as the slow progress on EV charging infrastructure despite significant investments. His comments reflect a broader concern about government efficiency in managing large-scale projects.
Copyright 2024, BrightPress.org
