The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has reportedly ordered its staff to secure tens of millions of dollars in funding for a deal with Elon Musk's Starlink, a subsidiary of SpaceX, to upgrade air traffic control communications. According to sources cited by Rolling Stone, the discussions have been largely verbal, which is unusual for a matter of this magnitude. This development comes on the heels of reports that Starlink may be taking over a $2.4 billion contract from Verizon to improve the system.

The current contract with Verizon is intended to enhance air traffic control communications, but Musk has been critical of the system, claiming it is "breaking down very rapidly" and putting flyers at risk. However, he later corrected himself, stating that the system he was criticizing was actually made by L3 Harris, and that Verizon's system is "not yet operational." Musk has also claimed that Starlink is providing terminals for free to "restore air traffic control connectivity."

The potential deal has raised concerns about a conflict of interest, given Musk's role as the head of the Digital Oversight Group Establishment (DOGE), which has been instrumental in directing significant changes to federal bureaucracy. House Representatives Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) and James Clyburn (D-SC) have expressed their opposition to the deal, calling it "a glaring conflict of interest" that prioritizes Musk's personal wealth over the American people's lives.

The FAA's decision to pursue a deal with Starlink has significant implications for the future of air traffic control communications. If the deal goes through, it could mark a major shift away from traditional telecommunications providers like Verizon and towards newer, more innovative solutions like Starlink. However, the lack of transparency in the discussions and the potential conflict of interest surrounding Musk's involvement have raised concerns about the integrity of the process.

As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen whether the FAA will ultimately secure a deal with Starlink, and what the implications of such a deal would be for the air traffic control system. One thing is certain, however: the involvement of Elon Musk and his companies in this process has added a layer of complexity and controversy to an already complex issue.

It is worth noting that this is not the first time Musk's companies have been involved in high-profile deals with the government. SpaceX has received numerous contracts from NASA and the US military for various projects, including satellite launches and spacecraft development. However, the potential deal with Starlink raises unique concerns due to Musk's dual role as the head of DOGE and the owner of SpaceX.

As more information becomes available, it will be important to continue monitoring the situation and assessing the implications of a potential deal between the FAA and Starlink. For now, the lack of transparency and the potential conflict of interest surrounding Musk's involvement have raised important questions about the integrity of the process and the potential consequences for the air traffic control system.