White House uses Starlink for Wi-Fi, raises concerns

The White House is reportedly using SpaceX's Starlink satellite service to improve Wi-Fi connectivity issues. According to reports, the administration has faced problems with unreliable cell service and an overloaded network. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that they are working to address these issues. However, the use of Starlink has sparked debate due to ethical and security concerns. Critics point out that Elon Musk, who owns Starlink, is a known supporter of former President Trump. While officials claim Starlink was donated, many experts question the decision to rely on it. Currently, the White House is not connecting Starlink directly. Instead, they are routing the service through a government data center using fiber optics. This decision came after an attempt to install a Starlink dish triggered a security alarm. Some experts believe traditional solutions, such as adding Wi-Fi access points or Ethernet cables, would be more effective and reliable. Using satellite connections may pose risks for secure government operations. Experts warn that the service can be affected by atmospheric interference and is less stable than wired networks. There are further concerns about sensitive communications being vulnerable if a private company operates the network. The partnership with SpaceX has also raised eyebrows due to Musk's influence on federal operations. In the past, the FCC denied Starlink nearly $900 million in subsidies for rural broadband, citing issues with service quality. Critics are questioning why the government is prioritizing Starlink over more reliable infrastructure upgrades, suggesting that political favoritism may be at play.