SpaceX confirmed Wednesday that it is leasing Starlink kits and service to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for free, but denied attempting to replace Verizon’s $2.4 billion contract to modernize the agency’s telecommunications system.
In a statement, Elon Musk’s company said it is partnering with L3Harris, the current contractor, to test Starlink as part of broader FAA infrastructure upgrades. “There is no effort or intent for Starlink to ‘take over’ any existing contract,” SpaceX stated.
Reports last week suggested the FAA was considering dropping Verizon in favor of Starlink, raising conflict of interest concerns given Musk’s involvement in the Trump administration and his role in government cost-cutting efforts through the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
The controversy intensified after Musk claimed the FAA’s communications system was on the brink of “catastrophic failure”. Sen. Ed Markey (D-Mass.) has since called for Musk and acting FAA chief Chris Rocheleau to testify before Congress about air traffic control modernization efforts.
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