tech
January 29, 2026
SpaceX sends list of demands to US states giving broadband grants to Starlink
SpaceX won’t make specific promises on Starlink network capacity or subscribers.
TL;DR
- SpaceX is demanding federal grant money for broadband services even if residents don't purchase Starlink.
- The company wants to be paid without reserving large portions of network capacity for subsidized areas.
- SpaceX is seeking to avoid responsibility for the correct installation of Starlink equipment at customer locations.
- These demands are presented as a proposed contract rider for grants under the BEAD program.
- The proposed rider aims to minimize performance obligations, payment schedule uncertainties, and penalties for non-compliance.
- SpaceX argues that tying payments to independent user purchasing decisions is not technology-neutral.
- The company also states that labor and insurance standards should not apply to them as no identifiable employees or contracts are funded for service in each state.
- SpaceX plans to dynamically allocate network capacity, including BEAD users into its general network planning.
- The company proposes that testing for service quality should exclude subscribers with obstructed views or malfunctioning equipment, with SpaceX determining eligibility.
- SpaceX defines 'standard installation' as mailing equipment, not completing professional setup at the customer's location.