Starlink Founder Elon Musk Criticizes FCC Over Revoked Grant, Says Move Harmed NC Hurricane Response

Elon Musk has harshly criticized the Biden-Harris administration, claiming that their decision to revoke a crucial Starlink grant slowed disaster recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene in North Carolina. Musk argued that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) under the current administration “illegally revoked” the $885.5 million award, which would have expanded broadband access to rural areas in several states, including parts of North Carolina now struggling to recover from the hurricane.

Musk, whose Starlink service is being used to assist some areas affected by the storm, stated, “Had the FCC not illegally revoked the SpaceX Starlink award, it would probably have saved lives in North Carolina.”

In 2020, the Trump administration’s FCC had approved the grant to help deliver broadband to over 642,000 rural homes and businesses. The Biden-Harris administration, however, canceled the grant in 2022, citing concerns about Starlink’s capacity to fulfill its promises. Critics, including FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr, have called the move unjustified and warned that it would leave rural communities unprepared in emergencies.

The situation has sparked fresh debate as North Carolina reels from the devastation of Hurricane Helene. Starlink devices are now being deployed to assist with recovery efforts, but the limited number of units underscores the criticism that more could have been done if the original grant had not been blocked.

Musk’s mother, Maye Musk, has also weighed in, accusing the FCC of putting American lives at risk by obstructing Starlink’s ability to serve rural areas during natural disasters.