07:13 AM EST, 03/05/2025 (MT Newswires) -- The US Commerce Department is considering revamping a program aimed at expanding US internet access with new rules that would make it easier for Trump administration political ally Elon Musk's Starlink satellite broadband service to cash in, The Wall Street Journal reported Tuesday, citing people familiar with the matter.

Trump's Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick told staff he plans to make the $42.5 billion rural internet program launched by the Biden administration "technology-neutral," allowing states to award contracts to Starlink, a subsidiary of SpaceX, the report said.

Under the program's original rules, Starlink was expected to receive $4.1 billion in contracts but could collect $10 billion to $20 billion under the new rules, the report said.

The change could be announced as early as this week, the report said.

SpaceX and the Commerce Department did not immediately reply to MT Newswires' request for comment.

(Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)