Guess who just bagged a massive $119 million deal to supercharge internet in Montana? Elon Musk’s Starlink is racing ahead, leaving Amazon’s Project Kuiper in its wake. This isn’t just about satellites; it’s about connecting over 20,000 new locations. Will this shift change the game for broadband access everywhere?

Elon Musk’s Starlink has significantly advanced its mission to deliver widespread broadband access, securing a substantial $119 million in funding from the state of Montana. This pivotal investment aims to extend high-speed internet connectivity to over 20,000 underserved locations, marking a crucial step in bridging the digital divide across the rural landscape.

This substantial financial allocation is part of the broader U.S. Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program, a federal initiative designed to expand internet infrastructure. Under this program, Starlink was granted access to a notable 28% of the 70,000 target locations within Montana, as reported by PCMag, underscoring the growing reliance on satellite internet solutions for difficult-to-reach areas.

In a direct comparison, Starlink notably outperformed its primary competitor, Amazon.com Inc.’s Project Kuiper. While Project Kuiper secured access to a larger 37% of the eligible locations in Montana, it received a significantly smaller federal grant of $26 million, highlighting Starlink’s more substantial financial backing in this specific state initiative for satellite internet deployment.

Montana’s BEAD Program’s decision to prioritize satellite internet for 65% of selected locations over traditional fiber optic cables reflects a broader national trend. This strategic shift, also observed in Colorado where 50% of locations will receive satellite-based access, indicates a growing recognition of the efficiency and reach of satellite internet solutions for widespread broadband access, especially in challenging terrains.

However, the BEAD program, particularly after revisions made during the previous administration, has faced scrutiny from experts. Critics have pointed out concerns regarding the government’s diminished ability to regulate pricing for internet plans intended for low-income households, raising questions about long-term affordability and equitable broadband access for all citizens.

Beyond its Montana success, SpaceX, the parent company of Starlink, continues to drive significant innovations. Reports indicate ongoing negotiations with major Middle Eastern flight carriers, such as Emirates and Qatar Airways, to integrate Starlink’s satellite internet services into their in-flight offerings. Furthermore, SpaceX recently unveiled advanced new dishes designed to enhance Starlink’s capabilities, promising data transmission speeds of up to 25 gigabytes per second from distances exceeding 2,500 miles, marking a significant leap in satellite internet technology.

Elon Musk has also recently provided updates on SpaceX’s monumental Starship rocket, following its tenth launch test. Starship, recognized as the largest and most powerful rocket ever constructed, represents the company’s ambitious vision for deep-space exploration and plays a crucial role in the broader ecosystem of SpaceX innovations, potentially aiding future Starlink deployments.

Not to be outdone, Starlink’s formidable rival, Amazon’s Project Kuiper, has also announced aggressive deployment strategies. The company aims to launch over 3,200 satellites by next year, targeting a robust schedule of one to two orbital launches every month. This ambitious plan is designed to ensure continuous satellite internet service across key strategic markets, including the US, Europe, and Japan, emphasizing Amazon’s commitment to global broadband access.

During its recent second-quarter earnings call, Project Kuiper’s CEO also disclosed that the company has secured over $10 billion in advance commitments from enterprise customers. This substantial financial backing underscores Amazon’s strong position and its bullish outlook on government and commercial projects within the competitive satellite internet landscape, setting the stage for an intense rivalry in the broadband access sector.