LEO constellations still held to high bar in FCC rural broadband subsidy program

by Caleb HenryJune 12, 2020February 23, 2023

“Please don’t anyone try to lecture me on the commission’s supposed efficiency and timeliness in conducting auctions,” FCC Commissioner Michael O'Rielly said Sept. 24 at the 8th Annual Americas Spectrum Management Conference at the National Press Club.

The U.S. Federal Communications Commission remains unconvinced that low Earth orbit satellite internet constellations are worth subsidizing through its $16 billion rural broadband program despite tweaking the rules for that program to give LEO constellations a better chance to qualify for funding.

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Caleb Henry

Caleb Henry is a former SpaceNews staff writer. More by Caleb Henry