Low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite broadband technology can potentially serve 26% of locations eligible for the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program. Cost and scalability are crucial for appropriate throughput, latency, and service quality. The reorientation of the program by the Trump administration has increased requests for BEAD subgrants by LEO providers. Various technologies, including fiber and fixed wireless, will contribute to broadband expansion. The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) allows states to select technologies for their BEAD projects, with LEO being advantageous in less densely populated regions.
The study states that low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite broadband technology can serve as many as 26% of BEAD-eligible locations, emphasizing cost and scalability.
The reorientation of the BEAD program by the Trump administration has significantly increased unserved and underserved locations for which LEO providers are seeking subgrants.
The report indicates that fiber, hybrid fiber coaxial, licensed and unlicensed fixed wireless, and LEO satellite will all play a role in expanding broadband access.
Prudent deployment funds could potentially allow for greater investments in broadband adoption and other non-deployment programs alongside infrastructure projects.
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