Trump Broadband Nominee Denies Favoritism Toward Elon Musk’s Starlink

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Arielle Roth, President Donald Trump’s nominee to lead the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), firmly rejected claims on Thursday that she would steer a $42 billion broadband expansion program in favor of Elon Musk’s satellite internet firm, Starlink.

During a Senate confirmation hearing, Roth stated, “I will administer the program to the benefit of the American people, not any single individual or company,” amid Democratic concerns that Trump allies could direct a large share of funds toward Musk, a close adviser to the president.

Concerns Over Program Priorities
The broadband initiative, created under the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, prioritizes fiber-optic technology, widely regarded as more cost-effective and capable of delivering faster speeds than satellite internet. However, Democrats fear the Trump administration may shift that priority to favor Starlink, potentially giving Musk up to $20 billion in funding.

Senator Ed Markey (D-MA) criticized any such move:

“I strongly urge you to oppose this giveaway to Elon Musk,” he said, emphasizing the law’s fiber-first intent.

While the program does not ban satellite services, it restricts their use to areas where fiber installation would be excessively costly.

Republican Pushback
Republicans, meanwhile, argue the Biden administration politicized the program by moving too slowly and allegedly blacklisting Musk. Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) pointed to delays in approvals and called for a more tech-neutral approach.
Only three states have had their proposals approved, and just four have finalized provider selections. Thirty more are still reviewing applications.

Shift Toward Tech-Neutral Strategy
Earlier this month, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick announced a review aimed at ensuring the program supports the most cost-efficient broadband solutions—whether fiber, satellite, or other technologies.

“We want an outcome-driven, tech-neutral approach that prioritizes getting the most Americans connected at the lowest cost,” Lutnick said.

Stakes for Rural America
The NTIA’s Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program is one of the largest government efforts to close the digital divide in rural America. As debates continue over technology preferences and political influences, Roth’s confirmation could play a pivotal role in the program’s direction during Trump’s second term.

TikTok Shop Expands to France, Germany, and Italy Amid U.S. Uncertainty

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TikTok Shop, the e-commerce division of the popular social media app, is set to launch operations in France, Germany, and Italy starting Monday, marking a major step in its European expansion. The move comes as TikTok’s future in the U.S. remains in jeopardy due to mounting political pressure on its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, to divest the platform.

The shopping feature has been live in the UK since 2021 and entered the U.S. market in September 2023, where it saw robust holiday sales. Despite that momentum, TikTok could face a ban in the United States unless ByteDance secures a deal to transfer ownership to an American buyer.

Accelerated European Growth
Jan Wilk, head of operations for TikTok Shop UK, said the company plans to grow more aggressively in the EU compared to its UK rollout.

“In the UK, this model was very new, and we had to do a lot of education. In Europe, we’re launching with much more speed,” Wilk told Reuters.

In the new markets, TikTok Shop is already onboarding merchants. Notably, supermarket chain Carrefour will sell on the French platform, while AboutYou and Cosnova will participate in Germany.

Beyond Bargain Buys
While TikTok Shop has become known for selling low-cost, direct-from-China goods, the company is working to diversify its product range and price points. Wilk highlighted a UK-based merchant selling second-hand luxury Birkin bags as an example of TikTok Shop’s expanding inventory scope.

The platform’s format allows sellers to host livestreams showcasing products, earning commissions on real-time sales. With a strong influencer ecosystem and built-in entertainment factor, TikTok Shop is pushing for a unique blend of content and commerce.

Strategic Timing
TikTok’s deeper push into Europe could serve as a hedge against potential losses in the U.S., where the platform’s fate hinges on ByteDance’s ability to negotiate a deal. The European expansion also reflects TikTok’s broader ambition to transform from a content-sharing app into a full-fledged e-commerce player in global markets.

Ubisoft Launches €4 Billion Franchise Subsidiary with Tencent Backing

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Ubisoft, the French gaming giant known for titles like Assassin’s Creed and Far Cry, announced on Thursday the formation of a €4 billion subsidiary, backed by a €1.16 billion ($1.25 billion) investment from Chinese tech powerhouse Tencent.

The new entity will consolidate Ubisoft’s most iconic franchises, including Assassin’s Creed, Far Cry, and Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six, along with the development teams behind them based in Montréal, Quebec, Sherbrooke, Saguenay, Barcelona, and Sofia. It will also manage all back-catalog titles and future game projects related to those IPs.

Ubisoft said the move aims to “crystallize the value” of its blockbuster brands while enhancing operational flexibility and securing long-term growth. The transaction is expected to close by the end of 2025.

Strategic Shift and Tencent’s Role
Tencent will become a minority investor in the new subsidiary, deepening its relationship with Ubisoft after previously becoming a significant shareholder in 2022.

Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot framed the move as part of a broader company transformation:

“We are creating the best conditions for these franchises’ long-term growth and success… This is a foundational step in changing Ubisoft’s operating model to be both agile and ambitious.”

Guillemot emphasized Ubisoft’s goal of evolving its strongest titles into evergreen game platforms that can continuously generate engagement and revenue.

Tencent President Martin Lau echoed the sentiment, praising the franchises’ “immense potential” and expressing confidence in their expansion into next-generation technologies and live service models.

Market Impact
Ubisoft shares had already risen in mid-March following Bloomberg’s report that the company was seeking investors for the new entity. This official announcement confirms Tencent’s participation, highlighting its continued interest in expanding gaming partnerships outside China.

The restructuring also signals Ubisoft’s commitment to a leaner, franchise-focused organization—streamlining operations while enabling major studios to independently grow flagship titles under a new, financially fortified structure.