SpaceX’s Starlink could have some advantages over Verizon in bid for FAA contract takeover, experts say. It could also trigger a slew of conflict-of-interest lawsuits from competitors

Elon Musk looks down and smiles at a small stuffed felt airplane. (Credit: JIM WATSON/AFP—Getty Images)

• Elon Musk’s Starlink may get a contract originally awarded to Verizon by the Federal Aviation Administration to overhaul its communications technology. Starlink’s satellite communication gives it some advantages over the FAA’s current fiber optics infrastructure. Switching the contract, however, could raise conflict-of-interest concerns, including from competitors.

SpaceX’s potential contract with the Federal Aviation Administration to provide Starlink service could help the regulator update some long-outdated technology. It could also create a conflict-of-interest nightmare.