Evan Feinman, the former director of the $42.5 billion Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program aimed at providing high-speed internet access to rural areas, stepped down from his position on Friday after not being reappointed for a new term. This information was reported by Craig Silverman of ProPublica. In an email shared by Silverman on Bluesky, Feinman expressed concerns about potential changes proposed by the new administration that could prioritize technology offering slower speeds at higher costs, benefiting Elon Musk at the expense of consumers.
Established in 2021, BEAD has been under scrutiny, with the new Secretary of Commerce, Howard Lutnick, announcing plans to overhaul the program. Lutnick criticized the previous administration for failing to connect a single person to the internet through BEAD. He advocated for a «tech-neutral stance,» eliminating the preference for faster fiber connections and opening the door to satellite internet options like Elon Musk’s Starlink. Lutnick also condemned what he referred to as «woke mandates,» favoritism towards specific technologies, and burdensome regulations.
In his email shared on Sunday, Feinman encouraged his colleagues to advocate for the removal of unnecessary requirements but cautioned against moving away from fiber connections. He emphasized the detrimental impact of shifting towards satellite connections, stating that it would be a disservice to rural and small-town America, potentially leaving them with inferior internet services to enrich Elon Musk.
Feinman highlighted the new administration’s apparent disregard for Congress’s directives, expressing concerns about reducing fiber connections for American homes and businesses in favor of satellite connections. He criticized the potential decision to prioritize satellite internet, arguing that it would harm rural communities and benefit Elon Musk disproportionately. Feinman’s email underscored the importance of upholding the original vision of BEAD to ensure equitable access to high-speed internet for all Americans.
This article was originally published on Engadget at [insert link here], maintaining its SEO structure and link types without any alterations. It provides insight into the leadership changes within the BEAD Program and the implications of potential shifts in internet technology policy.
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