The alternative is putting up "do you want free training on operating a small bulldozer?" signs everywhere, hiring the humans who show up, and laying down underground cable or telephone poles everywhere. Fuck, just slap a "national defense" reason for why there needs to be internet everywhere for military communications.

Starlink outshines in latency vs undersea cables. Small drones use small radios, bigger drones can use bigger military satellites. Just build out communication to rural areas already. Integrate comm lines into road maintenance crews.