Elon Musk Warns of FAA Communication System Failure 

United States: Elon Musk reported on Thursday that the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration communications platform managed by Verizon (VZ.N) will experience a failure within the next few months, threatening aviation safety operations, as reported by Reuters. 

Starlink as a Potential Solution 

As both President Donald Trump’s senior adviser and the world’s most prosperous person, Elon Musk operates Starlink from space, which challenges Verizon’s satellite network. Verizon maintains the biggest wireless network across the United States. 

“The Verizon communication system to air traffic control is breaking down very rapidly. The FAA assessment is single-digit months to catastrophic failure, putting air traveler safety at serious risk,” Musk said in a post on social media platform X. 

To address concerns about accurate meteorological information for Alaska’s aviation community, the FAA announced this week that it was testing three Starlink terminals at a government site in the state. 

FAA’s Response and Contract Uncertainty 

“The FAA has been considering the use of Starlink since the prior administration to increase reliability at remote sites, including in Alaska,” the FAA said this week. The agency did not immediately comment on Musk’s tweet. 

According to a Washington Post story on Wednesday, the Federal Aviation Administration appeared set to rescind its $2.4 billion Verizon contract for 2023 while considering Starlink as a prospective awardee for the project. According to the FAA officials there has been no decision made regarding the contract, as reported by Reuters. 

Verizon’s Statement on FAA Partnership 

Verizon did not respond to Musk’s comments right away.  This Thursday, the business announced that it was starting a 15-year agreement with the FAA “that will help the agency modernize its technology.”  Our improvements will ensure that Americans who depend on a safe, secure, and operational air traffic control system are protected.