The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has signed an agreement with SpaceX‘s Starlink to upgrade its information technology networks to manage US airspace. The deal is part of broader efforts to upgrade the FAA’s aging infrastructure and improve communication.
On Monday, the FAA announced on X that it has begun testing Starlink terminals, with one in Atlantic City, NJ, and two in Alaska, where connectivity issues have long plagued aviation safety.
— The FAA ✈️ (@FAANews) February 25, 2025
Alaska’s unreliable weather conditions have long posed challenges for aviation. The 2024 FAA Reauthorization mandated improved telecommunications infrastructure to improve safety and efficiency in the region. It is becoming increasingly apparent that the FAA’s outdated communications systems must be improved.
The FAA administration has decided to use Starlink’s network to resolve the problem, especially in remote regions, including Alaska. According to Bloomberg, the FAA-Starlink agreement includes deploying 4,000 terminals over the next 12 to 18 months to enhance airspace communication nationwide. Starlink‘s revenue greatly depends on these federal contracts, as it provides government and private customers with connection services.
Given CEO Elon Musk’s role in federal budget decisions, this agreement has raised some concerns. One of the Trump administration’s main agendas is to reduce federal expenditures. As the head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), Musk advocates for reduced federal spending, including FAA staffing cuts. Despite these concerns, the FAA maintains that the selection of Starlink is based on its ability to provide critical connectivity solutions in areas with limited infrastructure.
