On January 22, 2025, Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry contacted Acting Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick with an important letter. In it, he passionately advocated for some exciting reforms to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s (NTIA) Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program. Governor Landry’s main request was to consider reclassifying low-earth orbit (LEO) satellite and fixed wireless services as “reliable broadband services.” This change would make it easier for federal funds to be allocated toward these innovative technologies, opening up new possibilities for communities in need.
The BEAD program has been set up to allocate an impressive $42.5 billion for boosting broadband access throughout the United States, and it currently focuses on enhancing fiber-optic infrastructure because of its fantastic speed and reliability. While alternative technologies like satellite and fixed wireless are also considered, they take a back seat and receive funding only under certain conditions. Governor Landry points out that this fiber-focused strategy might not be the best fit for every region, especially in rural and remote areas where laying down fiber-optic cables can be quite challenging and expensive.
In his letter, Governor Landry stated, “By reclassifying LEO satellite and fixed wireless services as reliable broadband, we can expedite the deployment of high-speed internet to communities that have been historically underserved.” He emphasized that embracing a more technology-neutral stance would provide states with the flexibility to choose the most effective solutions tailored to their unique geographical and demographic needs.
Louisiana has been proactive in its efforts to enhance broadband connectivity. Earlier this month, the state became the first to receive federal approval for its plan to deploy $1.355 billion in BEAD funding through its GUMBO 2.0 program. This initiative aims to bridge the digital divide by expanding internet access to unserved and underserved communities across all 64 parishes. The push for incorporating satellite internet into federal broadband strategies is not without precedent. LEO satellite services, offered by companies like SpaceX’s Starlink, have demonstrated the capability to deliver high-speed internet to remote locations where traditional infrastructure is lacking. However, latency, service consistency, and long-term viability concerns have led to cautious integration into large-scale deployment plans.
Acting Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, who was nominated by President Donald Trump and is currently in the confirmation process, has not yet had a chance to publicly respond to Governor Landry’s proposals. As the CEO of Cantor Fitzgerald, Lutnick has shared details about his financial holdings and has plans in place to divest from some corporate positions to prevent any conflicts of interest once he takes on this new role.
Governor Landry’s appeal highlights a national conversation about the best ways to achieve universal broadband access for everyone. While fiber-optic technology is celebrated for its speed and reliability, the costs and logistical hurdles in rolling it out lead us to explore other creative solutions. By supporting the use of satellite and fixed wireless technologies, states like Louisiana are working to provide high-speed internet for all residents, no matter where they live. As the NTIA and the Department of Commerce consider reforms to the BEAD program, finding the right balance between ideal technologies and real-world challenges will be key in their discussions. Governor Landry’s suggestions emphasize the need for flexibility and adaptability in federal programs so they can meet the unique needs of each state and ensure that efforts to close the digital divide are both effective and fair.
