Montana Awards $145 Million to Starlink and Kuiper in BEAD Funds

Montana Favors Satellite Internet

Montana awarded $119 million in BEAD funds to SpaceX’s Starlink. The state will connect about 20,000 underserved homes and businesses with satellite internet.

Satellite providers will serve about 65 percent of Montana’s BEAD locations. Starlink will cover over 28 percent. Amazon’s Project Kuiper won $26 million to serve nearly 37 percent.

This decision makes Montana one of the most satellite-heavy states in the program. Officials say the approach reduces cost and accelerates deployment. Montana projects spending only $308 million of its $629 million allocation, saving more than $300 million compared to a fiber-first strategy.

Policy Debates Over Broadband

Montana’s move contrasts with states that remain committed to fiber. Oklahoma gave Starlink just one location. Virginia directed most of its $613 million to fiber. SpaceX protested that plan, calling it a “massive waste of taxpayer money.”

The debate is clear. Fiber offers long-term capacity and speed. Satellite offers lower cost and faster rollout. States must balance these trade-offs as they finalize BEAD plans.

A Growing Role for Satellite

Starlink has already reached seven million subscribers worldwide. Service is live in more than 150 countries. The company continues to expand capacity and market share.

Montana’s choice shows satellite is not only a stopgap. It is becoming a core option in broadband planning. As federal approvals move forward, other states will be watching closely.