On: SpaceX gets $886M from FCC to subsidize Starlink in 35 states

[iptrans]

I think you have misunderstood the purpose of RDOF grants.

The RDOF grants are not there to establish competition. RDOF grants exist purely for some company to provide broadband service where there is none.

If anything it's funding a local monopoly.

[simonh → iptrans]

If that wee true, since Starlink will reach everywhere, they would only need to fund Starlink. In fact the OP would be correct and no subsidy would be needed since Starlink is already being built.

[iptrans → simonh]

I am glad we agree, me being both the one you are replying to and the OP you are referring to.

For the avoidance of doubt, here's the link to the FCC RDOF auction and the relevant quote:

"... Rural Digital Opportunity Fund to bring high speed fixed broadband service to rural homes and small businesses that lack it."

https://www.fcc.gov/auction/904

[simonh → iptrans]

Could be I'm taking an overly rosy view of what they're up to.

[wmf → simonh]

It sounds like the FCC took a beauty contest approach to this funding so ISPs promising gigabit took 90% of the money and Starlink got what was left.