The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said that it did not plan to replace the current telecommunication contracts with L3harris and Verizon for the services of the STARLINK satellite network, owned by SpaceX, Ilona Mask.
According to representatives of the agency, SpaceX did not attempt to directly participate in these contracts. Also, FAA does not consider the possibility of using Starlink or other satellite technologies as the only communication channel in systems related to ensuring air traffic safety.
Earlier, the Congress suggested that the Verizon contract in the amount of $ 2.4 billion could be terminated in favor of Starlink, especially against the backdrop of criticism of the outdated FAA communication systems by Ilon Mask.
However, the USA mince of the United States explained that the main goal of the reform is the transition from copper lines to fiber -optic, and not a change of supplier for the sake of competitive advantages. More than 90% of the funds allocated to the telecom will be used to replace the infrastructure.
As part of the modernization, FAA tests various technologies, including Starlink satellite, in cooperation with L3harris. In total, about 200 companies are involved in the project. The operators pledged to stop the charge of the maintenance of outdated systems, which would save $ 800 million per year.
