Starlink, Elon Musk’s satellite internet provider under SpaceX, secured $119 million in funding from Montana’s Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program to expand connectivity to over 20,000 locations. This gives the company access to 28% of the state’s 70,000 sites, according to Benzinga. Amazon’s Project Kuiper was awarded access to 37% of sites but received $26 million in federal funding. Montana opted for satellite internet over fiber for 65% of locations, mirroring Colorado’s 50% allocation. The BEAD program, revised under the Trump administration, has faced criticism for eliminating federal oversight of low-income plan pricing. SpaceX is reportedly in talks with major Middle Eastern airlines, including Emirates and Saudia, to provide in-flight satellite internet. The company also unveiled laser tracking technology capable of transmitting 25 gigabytes per second over 2,500 miles, which could strengthen its case for involvement in Trump’s Golden Dome missile defense system.
