The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said it is testing the use of Elon Musk’s Starlink internet platform to fix connectivity issues in U.S. airspace.
The agency, on Monday, stated that some remote areas in the U.S. have “long” had problems with providing reliable weather information for the aviation community.
“That is why the FAA has been considering the use of Starlink since the prior administration to increase reliability at remote sites, including in Alaska,” the FAA wrote on the social platform X. “This week, the FAA is testing one terminal at its facility in Atlantic City and two terminals at non-safety critical sites in Alaska.”
Later on Monday, Musk said the switch was in part due to issues with services provided by Verizon, which had a $2 billion contract with the federal agency.
“The Verizon system is not working and so is putting air travelers at serious risk,” Musk wrote on the social platform X.
Starlink is expected to install 4,000 terminals that are set to be deployed in Atlantic City and at non-safety critical sites in Alaska over the next 12 to 18 months according to a report from Bloomberg.
The move comes amid a rise in deadly airplane incidents across the country in recent months, including when a a small plane with 10 people went missing over Alaska’s Norton Sound shoreline in early February.
It also comes as some lawmakers have raised concerns about Musk’s potential conflicts of interest given his large role in President Trump’s second administration, where he has led a push to shrink the federal workforce as a “special government employee.”
The tech billionaire’s companies X, SpaceX and Starlink have grossed millions in government contracts, some of which are undisclosed, over the years.
Verizon is not expecting the Starlink testing to impact its 15-year contract with the FAA.
“Verizon is bringing the nation’s most reliable network to the FAA at a time when critical infrastructure and technology enhancements are needed most,” a company spokesperson told The Hill.
“Protecting Americans who rely on a safe, secure and functioning air traffic control system is more important than ever, and our enhancements will help make that happen.”
Updated: 4:19 p.m.
