The White House is using Starlink satellite internet to improve connectivity due to inadequate cell service and existing Wi-Fi issues. Despite efforts, a SpaceX engineer's attempt to install Starlink directly was thwarted. Instead, the service is being piped from a distant data center. This choice, while aiming to solve connectivity problems, raises questions about ethics, practicality, and the efficacy of using Starlink in this scenario, especially given prior criticisms regarding its reliability as an internet provider.
As a practical matter alone, there's no obvious reason to add another ISP in order to improve Wi-Fi coverage, especially one that the FCC said less than two years ago didn't 'demonstrate that it could deliver the promised service' required for rural broadband funding.
White House officials noted that Starlink has 'donated' the service, as they attempt to address connectivity issues impacting the Executive Branch's operations.
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