Innovation and markets have made subsidized communications networks obsolete, but try telling that to the bureaucrats. Well, that’s exactly what SpaceX has done. In a recent letter to the FCC, the company explained that the subsidy to telecoms for providing service deep into rural areas is no longer necessary now that most Americans can simply access broadband via fixed wireless service, or, even better, via Starlink or a similar satellite internet provider.
Not only are satellite and cellular technologies capable of supplying fast internet to people all across America, but they may be capable of doing something that is almost never done: eliminating a major corporate subsidy and saving taxpayer dollars. I’ll believe it when I see it, but Your Survival Guy is hopeful.
And for you, I like the idea of having a Starlink as a backup internet source, even if you already have access to broadband. Think of it as an insurance policy.
Action Line: Read more about Starlink and building your own microgrid in my series Putting Some Power Away in the Pantry. And click here to subscribe to my free monthly Survive & Thrive letter.
