Elon Musk has expressed serious concerns about the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) current air traffic control communication system, managed by Verizon.
He claims it is deteriorating rapidly and poses significant risks to air traveler safety. In response, Musk proposes that his company, SpaceX, through its Starlink satellite network, should take over the system to prevent potential failures.
According to Gizmodo, Musk stated on his social media platform, X, that the Verizon system is "breaking down very rapidly," with the FAA's assessment indicating a potential "catastrophic failure" within months. He emphasized the urgency of the situation, describing it as "extremely dire."
To address this, Musk has sent Starlink terminals to the FAA at no cost, aiming to restore air traffic control connectivity on an emergency basis.
The FAA awarded Verizon a $2.4 billion contract in 2023 to upgrade its communication system, known as the FAA Enterprise Network Services (FENS) program.
This initiative aims to modernize the agency's telecommunications infrastructure, which supports over 45,000 daily flights and 2.9 million passengers across the US national airspace.
It's sure starting to look like Elon Musk deliberately crippled the FAA to make it look bad so he can swoop in and take over the entire air traffic control contract with Starklink. He must be stopped. https://t.co/E7FwBgDDBD
— Jassa Skott (@JassaSkott) February 28, 2025
Read more: Elon Musk Makes $97.4 Billion Bid for OpenAI, But Sam Altman Fires Back With 'No, Thank You'
FAA Weighs Starlink for Air Traffic Control Amid Musk's Criticism of Verizon
In light of Musk's concerns, the FAA is reportedly considering canceling its contract with Verizon and potentially partnering with SpaceX's Starlink for the necessary upgrades.
The FAA has begun testing Starlink terminals, with installations at its air-traffic control technology lab in Atlantic City, New Jersey, and at sites in Alaska. However, no final decision has been made regarding the contract.
Verizon has responded by clarifying that it is not responsible for the current FAA systems but is working on building the next-generation system under the FENS contract, CNN said
Verizon spokesman Rich Young stated, "We are at the beginning of a multi-year contract to replace antiquated, legacy systems."
He emphasized that Verizon's solution is ready to be deployed and that the company continues to collaborate with the FAA to achieve its modernization goals.
The situation has raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest, given Musk's significant influence over federal operations and his companies' substantial government contracts.
Critics argue that awarding the contract to SpaceX could intensify accusations of favoritism and self-dealing, especially as Musk's companies have received considerable government support in the past.
As the FAA continues to evaluate its options, the safety and efficiency of the nation's air traffic control system remain a top priority. The agency is working closely with both Verizon and SpaceX to determine the best path forward to modernize its communications infrastructure and ensure the safety of air travelers.
Join the Conversation