FAA Faces Scrutiny Over Potential $2.4 Billion Starlink Contract

Reports suggest the FAA may replace Verizon with Elon Musk's Starlink, raising conflict-of-interest concerns and questions about transparency.

The FAA has reportedly directed staff to locate 'tens of millions of dollars' for a potential deal with Elon Musk's Starlink to upgrade air traffic control communications.
The $2.4 billion contract was originally awarded to Verizon in 2023, but it is unclear if that agreement has been terminated or if a Starlink deal is finalized.
Sources claim FAA directives regarding Starlink funding were delivered verbally, an unusual move that raises transparency concerns and the possibility of avoiding a paper trail.
Democratic lawmakers have criticized Musk's dual roles as head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and CEO of SpaceX, citing potential conflicts of interest in government contracting.
Musk has stated that 4,000 Starlink terminals are being provided to the FAA 'at no cost to taxpayers' to address what he describes as urgent safety risks in air traffic control systems.