On November 11, 2021, SpaceX launched 60 Starlink satellites into orbit from Cape Canaveral, Florida. This was the latest in a series of launches for the company’s satellite internet service, which aims to provide high-speed internet access to people around the world, particularly in rural and remote areas.

One of the areas that will benefit from Starlink’s service is Puerto Rico, which has struggled with internet connectivity in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria in 2017. The storm caused widespread damage to the island’s infrastructure, including its telecommunications network, leaving many residents without reliable internet access.

Starlink’s launch in Puerto Rico has significant implications for the National Broadband Plan, which aims to provide affordable, high-speed internet access to all Americans. The plan, which was announced by the Biden administration in March 2021, seeks to close the digital divide and ensure that everyone has access to the tools and resources they need to participate fully in the digital economy.

However, achieving this goal is easier said than done. According to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), approximately 14.5 million Americans lack access to broadband internet, and the problem is particularly acute in rural areas. This is where Starlink’s satellite internet service comes in.

Unlike traditional broadband providers, which rely on physical infrastructure such as cables and fiber-optic lines, Starlink uses a network of low-orbit satellites to provide internet access. This means that the service can be deployed quickly and efficiently in areas where traditional providers are unable or unwilling to invest in infrastructure.

In Puerto Rico, Starlink’s service has already made a significant impact. According to reports, the company has provided internet access to more than 10,000 households on the island, many of which were previously without reliable connectivity. This has enabled residents to access online education, remote work opportunities, and other essential services that were previously out of reach.

The success of Starlink’s service in Puerto Rico has important implications for the National Broadband Plan. By demonstrating the effectiveness of satellite internet in bridging the digital divide, the company has shown that there are viable alternatives to traditional broadband providers. This could encourage policymakers to explore new approaches to expanding internet access, including greater investment in satellite technology.

However, there are also challenges to be addressed. One of the main concerns with satellite internet is latency, or the delay between sending and receiving data. This can make certain applications, such as online gaming and video conferencing, difficult or impossible to use. Additionally, the cost of Starlink’s service may be prohibitive for some households, particularly those in low-income areas.

To address these challenges, policymakers will need to work with companies like SpaceX to ensure that satellite internet is accessible and affordable for all Americans. This could involve targeted subsidies or other forms of financial assistance to help low-income households access the service. It could also involve investment in new technologies that can reduce latency and improve the overall performance of satellite internet.

In conclusion, Starlink’s launch in Puerto Rico has important implications for the National Broadband Plan. By demonstrating the effectiveness of satellite internet in bridging the digital divide, the company has shown that there are viable alternatives to traditional broadband providers. However, policymakers will need to address the challenges of latency and affordability to ensure that satellite internet is accessible and affordable for all Americans. With the right policies and investments, satellite internet could play a critical role in closing the digital divide and ensuring that everyone has access to the tools and resources they need to succeed in the digital economy.