Space Exploration Technologies Corp. - LEO Satellite - All New Mexico Counties
SpaceX proposes Starlink satellite broadband Internet for the New Mexico BEAD program. SpaceX has been operating and providing a bidirectional satellite direct-to-consumer broadband Internet service via its Starlink low-earth orbit (LEO) constellation of satellites and associated ground infrastructure since late 2020. The Starlink service is readily available for rapid deployment across all Project Area Units in New Mexico and exceeds all minimum service requirements. SpaceX is the only entity that can apply for BEAD funds using the Starlink network.  This network design is proven in real-world operation to be technically capable, serving over six million subscribers globally.  SpaceX’s LEO satellite constellation is operational and ready to accept additional subscribers today. As such, there is no applicable “buildout” timeline for this project. As noted in SpaceX’s application, SpaceX will have sufficient network capacity to serve every location identified in its application immediately. SpaceX plans to deploy additional satellites continuously over the period of performance, or as demand requires.  As noted above, SpaceX’s Starlink network is already deployed. Given that SpaceX commits to readiness to serve every BEAD customer on a timeline significantly less than the maximum four-years provided by program rules, SpaceX does not establish specific interim milestones before full readiness. However, it is entirely possible to sign up a certain number of BEAD customers immediately upon award. SpaceX is open to exploring contractual mechanisms to achieve such results and believes this would be in the best interest of the residents at BEAD locations.