Elon Musk, the man who is already influencing everything from electric cars to space travel, is quietly maneuvering to seize another arena: the internet. While most of the world remains fixated on his high-flying tech ventures, there’s an even more significant and, dare I say, sinister play underway. This time, it’s not about fast cars or Mars—it’s about controlling the very way millions of Americans access the internet.
It’s no secret that Musk’s Starlink, the satellite-based internet service offered through his SpaceX company, is gaining momentum. But it’s not just a tech innovation. It’s part of a much larger plan—one that could end up positioning Musk as a key power player in the telecommunications industry. And here’s the kicker: this shift might not be as innocent as it seems.
Starlink’s Growing Influence and the FCC’s Role
The allure of satellite-based internet is strong. After all, it promises to deliver high-speed internet to remote locations where traditional broadband can’t reach. And, for people who are stuck in the digital dark ages—think rural farmers or soldiers fighting wars—Starlink seems like a miracle. But let’s not kid ourselves: satellite internet isn’t a perfect solution. Slow speeds, high latency, and a high risk of unreliable connections make Starlink more of a patch than a permanent fix. So, why is everyone suddenly willing to turn to it?
Well, the U.S. government seems to have its own reasons. In the past few weeks, the Commerce Department has announced plans to rewrite the rules of its $42 billion internet initiative to benefit Starlink. This move has created a storm of controversy—critics claim it’s nothing more than a backdoor deal to make Musk even richer. And they may not be wrong.
But here’s the twist: Musk doesn’t even really need the money. He’s already the richest man on the planet. What he’s after is something far more valuable—power. Power to shape how millions of people connect to the digital world. Power to decide which companies thrive or falter. And this is where things start to look suspicious.
How Does This Benefit Musk?
We’ve seen some strange developments in the last few weeks. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC), for instance, has been more than happy to grant Starlink special permissions, enabling them to boost the power of their services. They’ve even given Starlink the green light to allow cell phones to connect directly to satellites—a move that has drawn sharp criticism from competitors who argue Musk’s monopoly on the market is growing dangerously unchecked.
But it doesn’t stop there. SpaceX has been moving Starlink kits to government agencies, including the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which has been struggling with communication failures. What’s more concerning is that the FAA could soon cancel a massive contract with Verizon, opting instead for Starlink services. And why? Because Musk’s people are calling the shots behind closed doors. To add to this, rumors are swirling that Starlink could take over much of the FAA’s infrastructure, which could end up putting critical national security systems in the hands of one billionaire.
A Power Shift in the Telecom Industry?
Think about this: The United States’ entire telecom infrastructure is at stake. The question on everyone’s mind is this: What happens when the richest man on the planet controls the network that keeps America connected? The influence Musk has over this sector could lead to a fundamental shift—one that has the potential to reshape the way we connect to the world around us. And if this shift isn’t monitored closely, the risks could be staggering.
Blair Levin, a former FCC chief of staff and a senior fellow at the Brookings Institute, doesn’t mince words. He called Musk’s increasing sway over the telecom industry “very troubling,” and with good reason. For the first time, we could have a situation where someone who owns a major communications company is sitting at the table with the government—unfettered by any oversight. And that, my friends, is the true danger here.
Satellite Internet: Not the Holy Grail It Seems
Let’s be real for a second: Starlink, despite all the hype, isn’t better than good old-fashioned broadband. Sure, setting up a satellite dish is easy, and yes, it can work in areas where fiber-optic cables never will, but that doesn’t make it the magic bullet for the internet access problems in America. The fact is, satellite internet is still in its infancy.
Take speed, for example. While Starlink offers download speeds of 50 to 100 Mbps, the average broadband speed in the U.S. is around 275 Mbps. Not exactly blazing fast. And with prices at $80 a month for service, Starlink isn’t exactly the affordable alternative either—especially considering the average broadband bill in the U.S. is a mere $78 per month.
But Musk’s push for Starlink goes far beyond just delivering mediocre internet. He’s aiming to lock in contracts with the government to make Starlink the go-to solution for everything from military operations to air traffic control. As government agencies move to Starlink, it’s becoming increasingly clear that this isn’t just about providing connectivity. It’s about consolidating power—and Musk seems determined to make that happen.
The Starlink Takeover: An Unlikely Hero?
Now, here’s where it gets even murkier. The Trump administration seems to be giving Musk a free pass to take over the internet sector. It’s no coincidence that FCC chair Brendan Carr has been a staunch ally of Musk, pushing for policies that would favor satellite-based internet like Starlink over traditional broadband. And what’s in it for Musk? Well, plenty. If the Commerce Department moves forward with its plan to rework the BEAD program, Starlink could stand to rake in anywhere from $10 to $20 billion in federal grants—money that could help Musk consolidate his grip on the telecom market.
And it’s not just about making money. The real prize here is control over how America communicates. If Musk has his way, he won’t just be running Tesla and SpaceX—he’ll be running the very fabric of U.S. telecommunications.
Is This the End of the Internet as We Know It?
If the rise of Starlink tells us anything, it’s this: The battle for internet dominance is far from over. Musk’s moves might seem harmless at first, but beneath the surface, there’s a much deeper agenda at play. As he continues to flex his muscles in Washington, it’s becoming clear that the future of America’s digital landscape could rest in the hands of one man—and that’s a chilling thought.
For now, we watch. We wait. But one thing is for sure: The internet is changing—and we may not have much of a say in the matter.
