Some observers view Lutnick's comments as a favor to Elon Musk, especially in light of the lack of significant technological advancements in Starlink's service.

Starlink's utility in emergencies was demonstrated when the FCC temporarily approved its Direct-to-Cell satellite service to assist Hurricane Helene victims.

US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has called on government leaders to prioritize SpaceX's Starlink satellite internet service, particularly for rural areas.

Revised funding criteria could enable Starlink to secure between $10 billion to $20 billion in government support, as reported by the Wall Street Journal.

The BEAD program, initiated by the Biden administration to expand high-speed broadband in rural areas, has faced criticism for its slow service deployment despite a $42 billion funding allocation.

Evan Feinman, the former head of the rural broadband program, criticized Lutnick's directive for pushing satellite internet adoption without considering its reliability compared to fiber optics.

Feinman has raised concerns about Starlink's service speed and reliability compared to fiber optic broadband, arguing that it may leave rural Americans with inferior internet access.

Lutnick emphasized the significance of innovative technologies like Starlink in bridging the digital divide and improving connectivity.

Lutnick's support for Starlink reflects a broader trend of Musk's influence in the White House, which has historically favored his business interests.

Starlink is poised to benefit from new funding opportunities, especially in regions where traditional internet connections are not economically viable.

However, the Biden administration's Federal Communications Commission (FCC) previously denied SpaceX nearly $900 million in subsidies due to concerns over Starlink's speed inadequacies.

In addition to its broadband initiatives, SpaceX is collaborating with the FAA to enhance air traffic control operations, testing Starlink terminals despite existing contracts with Verizon.