cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/26131439
Summary
The FAA is reportedly set to cancel a $2.4 billion contract with Verizon to modernize air traffic control communications and instead award it to Elon Musk’s Starlink.
Musk has publicly criticized Verizon’s system as failing, though without evidence. SpaceX employees have been embedded within the FAA, and some now have agency email addresses.
The move raises concerns about favoritism and conflicts of interest, especially as Musk’s companies have received $38 billion in government funding.
The contract transfer has not followed standard procedures, prompting resistance from senior FAA officials.
The alternative is going to be driving on neglected highways that will destroy your vehicle or taking toll roads. Traveling across America is about to become a lot less safe and a lot more inconvenient. I wonder how passenger railways are doing?
I can take a train to LA, and from LA Chicago, at that point I just have to rent a car and drive a few hours. I’ll be fine with my EV and E-bike.
That being said, passenger rail sucks in flyover country. It is kinda decent near the eastern seaboard.