Musk's Starlink denies it wants to take over FAA air traffic contract

SpaceX denies plans to take over FAA telecom contract

Robert Besser
09 Mar 2025, 22:19 GMT+10

Musk's Starlink denies it wants to take over FAA air traffic contract

Elon Musk's company SpaceX said this week that its Starlink satellite unit is not trying to take over any Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) telecommunications contract, dismissing media reports
SpaceX clarified on social media that Starlink could help improve the aging system but is not replacing any existing contracts
Some Democrats have suggested canceling a $2.4 billion FAA contract with Verizon and giving it to Starlink

WASHINGTON, D.C.: Elon Musk's company SpaceX said this week that its Starlink satellite unit is not trying to take over any Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) telecommunications contract, dismissing media reports.

SpaceX clarified on social media that Starlink could help improve the aging system but is not replacing any existing contracts. The FAA is currently testing Starlink and other technologies to upgrade air traffic control.

Some Democrats have suggested canceling a $2.4 billion FAA contract with Verizon and giving it to Starlink. Musk, who supports President Donald Trump and leads a government cost-cutting initiative, has criticized the FAA's telecom system.

The FAA said no decision has been made yet. It is testing Starlink terminals in Alaska to improve weather data access and evaluating other technologies at sites in Oklahoma City and Atlantic City. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said Starlink could help but won't be the only solution.

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