Bipartisan Concern Over $110 Million Starlink Grant as Texas Broadband Rules Shift

Texas Democrats and Republicans both question how the state's broadband development office awarded $110 million to SpaceX's Starlink. Governor Greg Abbott's office revised grant rules to favor satellite providers, according to agency testimony. Republican state senator Charles Schwertner cited "favoritism and transparency" concerns. Eight fiber broadband companies complained they were effectively cut out after the criteria shifted. The grants funneled 99% of available funds to Starlink.