FAA Ditches Verizon for SpaceX’s Starlink Amid Safety Concerns
Two years after Verizon won a $2 billion FAA contract, the agency is switching to SpaceX’s Starlink for IT upgrades. On Monday, Feb. 24, Elon Musk posted on X, saying Verizon’s system is failing and endangering air travelers.
FAA Confirms Starlink Deployment
The FAA announced that Starlink terminals will support air traffic controllers in two Alaska stations.
Last week, Musk approved the shipment of 4,000 Starlink terminals. The FAA confirmed one is already in testing at its Atlantic City lab. Bloomberg reports the project, called TDM X, will be fully operational within 12 to 18 months.
Verizon’s Role in Question
It’s unclear if Starlink’s involvement will affect Verizon’s FAA contract. Verizon has not commented on the situation.
Conflict of Interest Concerns
Musk, as head of the Department of Government Efficiency, is cutting government spending, including FAA staffing. The lack of contract details raises conflict of interest concerns. SpaceX relies heavily on government contracts, increasing scrutiny.
University of Minnesota professor Richard Painter warned Congress about Musk’s government ties.
In a prepared statement, Painter said space mining could significantly increase Musk’s wealth. He urged Musk to disclose financial details like other senior White House officials.
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