{
  "$type": "site.standard.document",
  "bskyPostRef": {
    "cid": "bafyreiev3h6hcp3eu72jh4lx5l6cou57vucjlwqn3cr57pljiuavpvuoey",
    "uri": "at://did:plc:mg5ozsljpp6t5b4lvwys4t72/app.bsky.feed.post/3lminlie4t4t2"
  },
  "coverImage": {
    "$type": "blob",
    "ref": {
      "$link": "bafkreidm5cowb44gxgr4i7r2smkdksx63nc52yjztujbmykaigbax7koue"
    },
    "mimeType": "image/jpeg",
    "size": 75293
  },
  "description": "Rep. Taylor has also pushed for satellites to be considered in Appalachian broadband grants.",
  "path": "/house-bill-would-divert-bead-funds-toward-satellite-and-wireless-subsidies/",
  "publishedAt": "2025-04-10T23:24:04.000Z",
  "site": "https://broadbandbreakfast.com",
  "tags": [
    "_in a statement._",
    "_late March_"
  ],
  "textContent": "WASHINGTON, April 10, 2025 – A bill introduced Wednesday by Rep.**David Taylor** , R-Ohio, would allow states to use federal broadband infrastructure funds to subsidize satellite and fixed wireless service in low-income communities.\n\nThe measure would amend the $42.45 billion Broadband, Equity, Access, and Deployment program to allow funds to be used for 50% of the cost of a satellite or fixed wireless receiver, plus $30 off the monthly bill for a year. Priority would be given to counties in the bottom 50% of a state’s per capita income.\n\nTaylor framed the bill as a stopgap to connect rural areas while fiber networks are built.\n\n“No matter what technology is used, rural Americans need internet access now,” he said _in a statement._\n\nHe said his bill would fill a gap that exists right now.\n\n“Fiber internet is vital but it could take years to connect all of southern Ohio,” he added.\n\n“My _Bridging the Broadband Gap Act_ would expand broadband across rural America while the proper infrastructure is being developed.,” Taylor said. “This bill will put us one step closer to connecting rural Ohio farmers, families, and businesses with the modern economy.”\n\n“Fiber internet is vital but it could take years to connect all of southern Ohio,” he added.\n\nThirteen of the 16 counties in Ohio’s Second Congressional District fall in the bottom half of the state’s per capita income rankings.\n\n​In _late March_, Taylor introduced a related measure, the _Expanding Appalachia’s Broadband Access Act_ , which would require the U.S. Government Accountability Office to study the feasibility of incorporating low-Earth orbit satellite providers like Starlink into the Appalachian Regional Commission's (ARC) broadband programs.\n\nThe ARC has traditionally prioritized fiber-optic infrastructure, requiring providers to deliver symmetrical 100 Megabits per second (Mbps) speeds with low latency. LEO satellites have not consistently met these standards.",
  "title": "House Bill Would Divert BEAD Funds Toward Satellite and Wireless Subsidies",
  "updatedAt": "2026-03-11T03:31:19.258Z"
}