FAA Evaluates Starlink Terminals as Musk Criticizes Verizon’s Technology

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has begun testing SpaceX Starlink satellite internet terminals within the national airspace system, nearly two years after awarding Verizon a $2 billion contract for similar work.

SpaceX CEO Elon Musk criticized Verizon’s system on his social media platform X, claiming it is “not working” and poses a serious risk to air travelers. Verizon has yet to respond to requests for comment.

Bloomberg Report: Musk’s Team Involved in Air Traffic Control Modernization

Bloomberg first reported the news, which follows recent remarks by U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy about Musk and his so-called “Department of Government Efficiency” assisting in modernizing air traffic control systems.

In a statement Monday, the FAA highlighted ongoing challenges with reliable weather data in Alaska’s aviation sector. The agency noted that the 2024 FAA Reauthorization request calls for improved telecommunications to address these issues, prompting consideration of Starlink since the previous administration.

Currently, the FAA is testing one Starlink terminal at its Atlantic City facility and two others at non-safety critical sites in Alaska.

Reshaping Federal Operations with DOGE Team

Over the past month, Musk has been deeply involved in reshaping federal operations, aided by a team largely composed of employees from his own companies, such as SpaceX and Tesla.

This group, operating under the so-called Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), has secured access to multiple federal agencies, including those responsible for regulating Musk’s businesses—some of which are reportedly still investigating them.

President Donald Trump has stated that Musk will oversee any potential conflicts of interest himself, leaving no independent agency or official monitoring whether the billionaire is personally profiting from this level of influence and access.

Read the original article on: TechCrunch

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