""While many celebrate saving half of the BEAD funding, the reality for much of rural America is being stuck with 'pretend' broadband via LEO.""
""LEO services represent an amazing technological feat. However, many of the locations slated for LEO will be unable to receive the service due to terrain or foliage obstructions.""
""It has been suggested that homeowners, at their own expense, build towers ranging in height [from] 50' to 150' to get a clear view of the sky - an absurd logistical and financial burden.""
""A report from Ookla found that the provider's median speed is short of the 100/20 Mbps benchmark that the Federal Communications set as defining broadband in 2024.""
Starlink's low-earth orbit satellites, moving at 17,000 miles per hour, require a 110-degree field-of-view cone for service handoff. An analysis found that 70% of locations may face foliage challenges, necessitating 50 to 100-foot towers costing $15,000 to $50,000. Reid criticized the situation, stating that many rural areas may only receive 'pretend' broadband. Additionally, a report indicated Starlink's median speed does not meet the Federal Communications Commission's broadband benchmark of 100/20 Mbps for 2024.
Read at Telecompetitor
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