“This is for Broadband funding that is not directly related to the construction of Internet network components for universal coverage.”
So that would mean, say, starlink antennas, as opposed to laying fiber optic cable up every dirt road in the Colorado mountains??
Yes that would be the most cost effective if line of site can be achieved. That may mean a large pole to get above the tree line, which would be the down side.
The states are going to push fiber over Starlink or other LOE providers due to weather reliability and line of site limitations, and it is a valid argument.
But the cost of bringing service to these houses like you mentioned that are isolated on a mountain can run over 20K or more a pop which runs up the total cost quite a bit, and IMO we should try at least to get our spending under control.
To bring balance to this program Sec. Lutnick should cap the high cost services at around 12k and ensure the states are allowing the providers to pass by those houses that are extremely high cost. Which they may not be allowing.
Those houses who are passed should be given the option to clear a tree if needed or place a pole in their yard for a clear signal.
This will cause the program to go under budget which will allow Sec Lutnick to take back a large part of the program funding.
Another interesting fact is that a portion of the people who are now considered served will not even sign up for the service which in reality raises the cost per active service even higher.