Month: February 2025

The Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program (BEAD) allocated $42 billion to extend broadband access to all homes nationwide. Nearly three years after passage, 16 states still lacked funding approval. In its first three years, the program connected precisely zero homes to the internet.

The expressed objective of BEAD is to bridge the so-called digital divide — the lower levels of access and affordability for some rural residents, minority groups, and lower-income earners. Yet, the private sector is doing quite well at bridging this so-called divide. While the federal government dithered on allotting the $42 billion of BEAD funding, the percentage of Americans using the internet rose from 80 percent in 2021 to 83 percent in 2023 — an additional 13 million users. High-income household use has remained virtually unchanged for a decade — at 87 percent — while usage in low-income households earning less than $25,000 steadily rose to 75 percent by 2023. Even in rural areas, 72 percent already have fixed broadband coverage.

Even the remaining gap overstates the extent of the problems with access and affordability. Less than 10 percent of the overall population lacks internet service. Of the 24 million households with no internet, more than half (58 percent) either have no interest in being online or no need to be online. Lack of availability accounts for just 4 percent of those without home internet. In other words, fewer than 1 million households (fewer than 1 in 100) nationwide are offline solely due to lack of availability.

The per-household cost of the federal “solution” to this diminishing problem is steep. The $42 billion price-tag is sufficient to provide 12 years’ worth of Starlink service — $44,000 — for each impacted household. Even if we presume all the 24 million households currently without access will benefit from increased access and affordability, this comes to $1750 per household.

Meanwhile, the cost per taxpayer of BEAD is simply added to our massive federal credit card balance, a marginal negative impact so distant it is barely discernible. But that’s the ugly truth of dispersed costs and concentrated benefits. A handful of broadband infrastructure companies stand to benefit immensely from these widely dispersed costs. Taxpayers foot 75 percent of the cost of capital investments from which these favored companies will generate revenue for decades to come.

The private sector already has developed an alternative to high-capital expenditures for building our expensive infrastructure serving only sparse numbers of people in rural areas: Starlink.

Starlink covers the entirety of the lower 48 states at a cost of just $120 per month for unlimited residential use. Typical download speed easily exceeds the FCC’s 25 Mbps threshold for “unserved” and often exceeds the FCC’s 100 Mbps threshold for “underserved.”

Ironically, Biden claims this program is “not unlike what Roosevelt did with electricity.” At the founding of the Rural Electrification Administration in 1935, only one in ten farms had access to electricity. Incidentally, the number of US farms peaked in that year and agriculture comprised 21 percent of our workforce, lack of access to electricity posed a real impediment to growth. Contrast that with today when most families even in remote parts of the nation already utilize the internet — and fewer than 1 million are deprived due to lack of availability. Furthermore, in 1935, no practical substitute to hard, physical infrastructure — cables, poles, transformers, and power plants — existed, where today internet access via satellite link and portable equipment can substitute for physical broadband cables. Lastly, the funds provided by FDR’s administration were loans rather than pure giveaways of taxpayer money to favored companies. The differences in need, benefit, and mechanism between this wasteful broadband program and the rural electrification program are stark.

It’s also no surprise deployment of these $42 billion in federal funds has been slow or even nonexistent. BEAD funding comes with various attached requirements, including mitigating climate change, hiring those with criminal records, conforming to a prevailing wage scheme, and hiring and training local residents. In addition, the rules specify that recipients of the subsidies provide services at “reasonable prices” for “middle class families.” Failing to provide an actual price cap skirted the legislation’s ban on outright regulation of broadband rates. But this workaround acted as an even worse form of price control — one in which bureaucrats decide retroactively whether a price is “reasonable.”

Reliance on government funding will discourage private sector investment in broadband infrastructure, as companies might wait for government subsidies rather than investing their own capital. This could slow down overall broadband expansion and innovation in the long term, affecting consumer access and service quality. Rather than focus on investing in infrastructure where returns on capital will prove most profitable, companies instead must predict the geographies and market segments most likely to receive government subsidies. Reliance on federal or state broadband coverage maps can misallocate capital to areas where investments are less efficiently employed. A company spending its own capital on infrastructure would be a costly mistake if taxpayers will provide those resources instead (or provide them to a competitor). The promise of BEAD funds will likely deter private investment in areas where this funding is anticipated.

The marketplace shows an uncanny ability to improve affordability. For instance, across parts of South Florida, Breezeline was the only residential broadband provider.

Household costs topped $150 per month. This changed rapidly in 2024 as Verizon expanded home internet service to many neighborhoods, offering similar access at less than half their competitor’s price. Breezeline’s onerous pricing provided an incentive for Verizon to invest heavily in an alternative. Profit is a motivator for private investment, benefiting both shareholders and the public.

Why not simply allow the market to work? Rural residents with no access to broadband can use Starlink. Over time, private companies may decide that broadband infrastructure development in these areas is worth the capital investment. They are in a far better position to make this determination than bureaucrats doling out borrowed taxpayer resources. The track record of BEAD’s inefficiencies and delays caused by lack of intergovernmental coordination and funding compliance requirements should spell its end.

It’s time to repeal this especially wasteful component of the 2021 infrastructure law. The Daily Economy

Global adtech platform with content production and influencer marketing capabilities- iCubesWire has now taken its next step towards expansion with iCubesWire Films, a dedicated division for ad film production.

This strategic move underscores the company’s commitment to put forward its creative storytelling capabilities, addressing the rising demand for compelling branded content across digital and traditional media channels.

Known for its expertise in influencer partnerships, and performance-driven campaigns, iCubesWire has consistently redefined how brands connect with their audiences and the introduction of iCubesWire Films amplifies its capabilities, empowering brands to craft visually stunning ad films that resonate deeply with today’s digitally savvy consumers.

The new division will welcome a talented team of directors, scriptwriters, cinematographers, and editors, all dedicated to producing high-quality ad films. Having said that, leveraging advanced production techniques, iCubesWire Films will create tailored narratives designed for digital platforms, television, and OTT services.

Furthermore, this expansion strengthens iCubesWire’s reputation as a comprehensive marketing solutions provider, enabling brands to effortlessly integrate digital, influencer, and film-based content into their campaigns.

As the digital landscape continues to evolve, iCubesWire’s latest initiative positions it as a leader in crafting innovative, audience-centric content that drives results. Brands looking to go creative with their storytelling and engagement strategies now have a powerful new partner in iCubesWire Films.

Commenting on the launch, Sahil Chopra, Founder and CEO, iCubesWire, said, “Storytelling is what connects brands with their audiences, and with the launch of iCubesWire Films, we’re taking that connection to the next level. By combining creativity, technology, and data-driven insights, we are looking forward to creating ad films that not only capture attention but also drive meaningful engagement. Our focus is on delivering storytelling that aligns seamlessly with brands’ strategic goals.” Marketing Mind

YOU Broadband, one of India’s leading high-speed internet providers, has unveiled its latest broadband plans, offering industry-best pricing and unmatched affordability. With the growing demand for seamless connectivity, YOU Broadband aims to make high-speed internet more accessible to Indian households. The newly launched broadband plans for Pune City start at just Rs799 for a blazing-fast 300 Mbps connection, making it one of the most competitively priced options available today. Additionally, users can now avail of 500 Mbps broadband plans at just Rs999, ensuring a superior internet experience at an unbeatable value.

Designed for seamless streaming, gaming, and work-from-home needs, these broadband plans offer 50% lower pricing compared to similar plans in the market. With the surge in digital consumption, YOU Broadband remains committed to delivering fast, reliable, and affordable internet solutions to customers across India. The latest plans also come with special offers on longer validity subscriptions, allowing users to enjoy uninterrupted connectivity at even more attractive rates.

Customers can conveniently apply for these high-speed broadband plans through the official YOU Broadband website or mobile app, ensuring a hassle-free subscription process. For entertainment lovers, YOU Broadband also offers exciting combo packages that include access to 27+ OTT apps, providing an all-in-one solution for high-speed internet and premium digital entertainment.

“With increasing digital consumption, users need a broadband connection that is not just fast but also economical. YOU Broadband is dedicated to providing the best broadband plans at unbeatable prices, ensuring seamless connectivity for our customers,” said Mr. Sameer Mahapatra, CEO, YOU Broadband.

As YOU Broadband continues to revolutionize the broadband industry, customers can expect such aggressive high-speed internet plans across various part of the country in the coming months, further strengthening India’s journey toward a digitally empowered future. ThePrint

The Bhutan Information, Communication, and Media Authority (BICMA) recently granted approval to Starlink Services Private Limited, a foreign direct investment (FDI) company, to provide satellite-based internet services in Bhutan, and the services are now available.

This development marks a significant shift in the country’s internet connectivity, particularly benefiting rural and remote areas, where traditional networks face challenges due to Bhutan’s mountainous terrain and infrastructure limitations.

Before licensing Starlink, BICMA officials evaluated key factors, including the company’s FDI registration, the appointment of local representatives for regulatory compliance, and commitments to service quality and data privacy. The license permits internet services through user terminals but does not include direct satellite-to-mobile cellular services.

Starlink Pricing Plans in Bhutan

• Residential Plan: Designed for household use, offering 25-110 Mbps download and 5-10 Mbps upload speeds with unlimited data for 4,200 BTN per month.
• Priority Plan: Suitable for high-demand users such as businesses and government entities, providing 50-220 Mbps download and 8-25 Mbps upload speeds. Data options range from 40 GB to 6 TB, with prices between 5,900 BTN and 106,000 BTN per month.
• Roam Plan: Offers mobility with 30-100 Mbps download and 5-25 Mbps upload speeds. Plans range from 50 GB to unlimited data, priced between 4,200 BTN and 37,000 BTN monthly.
• Mobile Priority Plan: Designed for mobile users with high data needs, offering 5-220 Mbps download and 10-30 Mbps upload speeds. Data caps start at 50 GB and go up to unlimited, with monthly costs from 21,000 BTN to 2,100,000 BTN.
• Residential Lite Plan: A budget-friendly alternative with speeds similar to the Residential Plan but at 3,000 BTN per month.

Starlink Equipment Costs in Bhutan

• Standard Starlink Kit: 33,000 BTN + shipping
• Flat High-Performance Starlink Kit: 231,000 BTN + shipping
• Mini Starlink Kit: 17,000 BTN + shipping

Billing begins upon service activation or 30 days after equipment shipment, with no early termination fees for cancellations.

It is expected that Starlink’s satellite-based connectivity will help bridge Bhutan’s digital divide by providing reliable internet access in remote and rural areas where traditional infrastructure remains a challenge. FoneArena