SpaceX – US satellite communications and space launch provider – has reportedly challenged a decision by the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to block subsidies for the firm that were provisionally awarded in 2020. Elon Musk’s Starlink, which already has thousands of users. The US was expected to receive $885.5 billion (approximately Rs 70,52,400 crore) in subsidies under a multi-billion dollar program aimed at bringing internet access to various areas of the US without access to the internet.
On Friday, SpaceX appealed the US FCC’s decision to deny the firm’s satellite internet services arm, Starlink, an $885.5 billion (about Rs 70,52,400 crore) subsidy, according to a Reuters report. report good, The regulator rejected the subsidy in August, saying Starlink’s technology had “real promise” but could not meet the program’s requirements due to a persistent drop in speed and high prices.
Regulatory filings by SpaceX claim that the FCC’s decision to deny subsidies under the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund that was provisionally granted in 2020 was “flawed” and “extremely unfair,” according to the report.
SpaceX’s senior director of satellite policy, David Goldman, reportedly rebuked the regulator in the appeal, saying the decision “provided in service to a clear bias toward fiber, rather than actually connecting unserved Americans.” rather than a merit-based decision.”
According to the report, Starlink, which has over 3,000 satellites in orbit, aimed to provide internet access to over 6.42 lakh locations in 35 US states that lack connectivity.
