"SpaceX said it will provide "all necessary equipment" to receive broadband "at no cost to subscribers requesting service," which will apparently eliminate the up-front hardware fee for Starlink equipment. But SpaceX isn't promising lower-than-usual monthly prices to consumers in those subsidized areas. SpaceX pledged to make broadband available for $80 or less a month, plus taxes and fees, to people with low incomes in the subsidized areas. For comparison, the normal Starlink residential prices advertised on its website range from $50 to $120 a month."
"Arguing that SpaceX should receive grant money regardless of whether residents purchase Starlink service, the letter to states said that grant payments should not depend on "the independent purchasing decisions of users." SpaceX also said it will not hold "large portions of capacity fallow" to ensure that people in subsidized areas receive good service, but will instead continue its preexisting practice of "dynamically allocat[ing] capacity where needed.""
SpaceX demands state agreements that ensure federal grant payments for Starlink regardless of whether residents subscribe. SpaceX will supply all necessary equipment at no cost to subscribers requesting service, removing upfront hardware fees, while not promising reduced monthly prices except a pledge of $80 or less per month for low-income residents. Normal Starlink residential pricing ranges from $50 to $120 per month. SpaceX refuses to reserve large portions of network capacity, preferring dynamic allocation where needed, and disclaims responsibility for ensuring correct equipment installation. SpaceX proposed a rider to state broadband offices to apply these terms to grants nationwide.
Read at Ars Technica
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