A heated debate has erupted within the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regarding the dominance of SpaceX’s Starlink in the satellite internet market. Commissioner Brendan Carr, a vocal supporter of Starlink, has publicly criticized FCC Chair Jessica Rosenworcel for suggesting that the company has a monopoly.
Earlier this week, Rosenworcel emphasized the need for competition in the commercial space industry during a speech at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Global Aerospace Summit. She highlighted that Starlink currently operates nearly two-thirds of all active satellites in orbit, leading her to express concern about the potential for monopolization. “Every communications market that has competition is stronger – we see lower prices and more innovation, and honestly space should be no exception,” Rosenworcel stated.
Carr, however, took to social media to directly address Rosenworcel’s comments, pointing out that the FCC previously denied Starlink nearly $900 million in subsidies from the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund. This decision, he argued, was based on the agency’s assertion that Starlink lacked the technical and financial capability to deliver high-speed internet to designated locations. “2023 FCC: Claims that Starlink is not capable of providing high-speed Internet to thousands of people as the reason for revoking an $885M award to the company. 2024 FCC: Claims that Starlink provides so much high-speed Internet that the word monopoly should be tossed out there,” Carr wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Carr’s comments suggest a perceived contradiction in the FCC’s stance towards Starlink, raising questions about the agency’s regulatory approach to the burgeoning space internet sector. His criticism of Rosenworcel also reflects the ongoing debate surrounding competition and regulation in the space industry.
Carr has previously expressed concerns about what he believes is a pattern of administrative agencies taking action against Elon Musk’s businesses, including Starlink, following Musk’s acquisition of Twitter. He has been a vocal advocate for Starlink, even writing to the Brazilian telecommunications regulator to protest the banning of X and the freezing of Starlink assets. Carr considers these actions arbitrary and capricious and has requested a meeting with the regulator to discuss the matter.
This public clash between FCC officials sheds light on the complexities of regulating emerging technologies like space-based internet, and the potential for different perspectives to shape the future of this rapidly evolving industry.
