The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) received an official order to obtain tens of millions of dollars for a partnership with Starlink satellite internet service, which SpaceX operates to modernize air traffic control systems. The directive emerged from unnamed sources who spoke to Rolling Stone magazine while sparking worries about transparency and possible conflicts of interest.
Multiple sources describe the discussions about the Starlink deal as highly abnormal because they occurred through verbal instructions instead of official documentation. The absence of official documentation has led people to believe that some officials are rushing through the agreement without proper examination.
The proposed transition to Starlink occurs even though the company maintains an existing multibillion-dollar Verizon partnership to enhance air traffic control systems. The current status of Verizon’s contract remains uncertain, as does the official standing of the Starlink agreement.
House Representatives Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) and James Clyburn (D-SC) strongly oppose the reported agreement. According to the representatives, the involvement of Musk, who leads the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), creates a major conflict of interest. The representatives suspect Starlink received priority over Verizon because it presents a financial advantage for Musk that undermines public safety.
During his defense of Starlink capabilities, Musk first stated that Verizon’s system was experiencing rapid breakdowns, which threatened flight safety, but he later admitted that L3 Harris built the faulty system while Verizon’s updated system was not yet operational. Musk made an initial incorrect statement about the system’s breakdown but then clarified that L3 Harris developed the faulty system while Verizon’s upgrades remained uninstalled. The company provides air traffic control terminals for free to help restore connectivity, according to Musk.
The FAA’s upcoming decision about the matter will undergo extensive examination because of rising concerns regarding transparency and safety.
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