Elon Musk's Starlink is nearing the possibility of securing a $2.4 billion contract to modernize the United States air traffic control communication system, potentially displacing Verizon. Reports indicate that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is considering canceling its existing agreement with Verizon and awarding the project to Starlink, a subsidiary of SpaceX.
Musk has publicly criticized Verizon's communication system, alleging it poses risks to air travel safety. He claimed that the system is "breaking down rapidly" and suggested that Starlink could provide terminals at no cost to taxpayers on an emergency basis.
As SpaceX collaborates with the FAA to improve outdated technology systems, dynamics within the agency have become complex. Multiple senior FAA officials are reportedly hesitant to endorse a transition to Starlink, complicating the process of unwinding the existing contract with Verizon. Concerns about the integrity of the decision-making process and the potential influence of Musk's businesses on federal contracts have been raised by critics, including lawmakers.
The FAA is expected to make a decision soon regarding the contract, and the implications of this potential shift could affect both the aviation industry and government operations significantly.