In a recent Senate Commerce Committee hearing, Arielle Roth, nominated by President Donald Trump to head the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), vowed to oversee the $42 billion Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program without bias toward any individual or company, including Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite service. This commitment comes amid bipartisan scrutiny over the program’s direction and the potential influence of satellite providers in the allocation of federal broadband funds.
The BEAD program, established under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021, aims to provide high-speed internet access to underserved and rural communities across the United States. The initiative has predominantly favored fiber-optic infrastructure due to its long-term cost-effectiveness and superior performance. However, recent discussions have emerged about adopting a more technology-neutral approach, which could potentially increase the role of satellite services, such as Starlink, in bridging the digital divide.
During her testimony, Roth emphasized her dedication to equitable administration of the BEAD funds. “I will administer this program to benefit the American people, not any single individual or company,” she stated. This assurance was in response to concerns raised by Senator Ed Markey (D-MA), who cautioned against diverting funds from fiber-optic projects to satellite services, highlighting the long-term cost-saving potential of fiber. Markey described the fiber versus satellite debate as central to the effective deployment of BEAD funds, urging Roth to prioritize the most efficient solutions.
The hearing underscored partisan divisions regarding the program’s implementation. Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) criticized the previous administration for what he termed “petulant and partisan politics” that sidelined Musk and Starlink, despite their potential to connect rural households. Cruz’s remarks reflect a broader Republican sentiment in favor of a technology-neutral approach that includes satellite solutions.
As of March 2025, the BEAD program has approved proposals from three states, with four selected providers and 30 in the application process. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick announced a review aiming for a tech-neutral, outcome-driven approach to provide cost-effective internet access. This review may lead to adjustments in funding allocations, potentially increasing support for satellite providers, such as Starlink.
The debate over the BEAD program’s direction underscores the complexities of expanding broadband access in the United States. Fiber-optic networks provide high-speed, reliable connections with long-term cost benefits, but they require substantial initial investment and time to deploy. Satellite services can be deployed more rapidly and reach remote areas, but may involve higher long-term costs and performance limitations. Balancing these factors is crucial to achieving equitable and efficient broadband expansion.
Arielle Roth’s nomination and her commitment to impartiality in administering the BEAD program represent a pivotal moment in the U.S. government’s efforts to expand broadband access. As the program undergoes review and potential recalibration, stakeholders will closely monitor how funding decisions align to provide reliable, cost-effective internet service to all Americans, regardless of their geographic location.
