Italy is experiencing a significant shift in its enthusiasm for a proposed €1.5 billion deal with Elon Musk’s Starlink. The initial excitement surrounding the prospect of enhanced satellite-based communications is now overshadowed by a growing unease regarding the reliability and trustworthiness of Musk himself, as well as the inherent security risks associated with utilizing a foreign-owned and operated system.
The concern stems from Musk’s demonstrably erratic behavior and his willingness to wield his technological power in unpredictable ways. Instances of Starlink service being disabled, even in situations perceived as critical, raise serious questions about the dependability of the system for a nation’s critical infrastructure.… Continue reading
In response to President Trump’s tariffs on Canadian goods, Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced several retaliatory measures. These include cancelling a $100 million contract with Starlink, banning U.S. companies from provincial procurement contracts, and threatening a 25 percent surcharge on electricity exports to border states. Furthermore, the province’s liquor retailer, the LCBO, will cease purchasing American alcohol. These actions are in addition to the federal government’s own retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods.
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Ontario Premier Doug Ford cancelled a $100 million contract with Starlink, a US-based company, and implemented a province-wide ban on US companies participating in provincial procurement. This action, a response to perceived economic attacks by the US, is part of a broader strategy to prioritize Canadian businesses and includes a potential 25 percent surcharge on electricity exports to neighboring states and control over high-grade nickel exports. Ford defended the decision, stating that contracts will not be awarded to entities encouraging economic attacks on Canada and that legal challenges will be met. The province’s annual $30 billion procurement budget will be significantly impacted by this policy shift.
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Internal FAA directives, largely undocumented, indicate a shift towards a multi-million dollar Starlink contract, potentially replacing Verizon’s existing $2.4 billion deal for airspace management system upgrades. This action follows a controversial purge of FAA staff under Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency, raising significant conflict-of-interest concerns given SpaceX’s substantial government contracts and past regulatory violations. Musk claims Starlink terminals are being provided at no cost, though the details of the contract remain unclear. The situation is further complicated by Musk’s assertions regarding Verizon’s system functionality.
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The Trump administration’s FCC initially attempted to award SpaceX’s Starlink nearly a billion dollars in subsidies, a decision largely reversed by the Biden administration due to concerns over service consistency and the prioritization of more robust broadband options. This reversal sparked outrage among Republicans, leading to the current administration awarding Starlink a lucrative, undisclosed FAA contract, bypassing a pre-existing Verizon contract. This deal, shrouded in secrecy, raises concerns about conflicts of interest and circumvention of standard bidding processes. The move is part of a broader pattern of favoritism toward Musk, potentially involving misallocation of broadband subsidies and jeopardizing the integrity of government procurement.
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A Chinese victim of human trafficking in Myanmar’s Tai Chang scam compound reported that the facility, known for its brutal conditions, uses Starlink internet to continue its fraudulent activities after its previous Thai connection was severed. This use of Starlink by Tai Chang, and at least seven other similar compounds in the Myawaddy region, was confirmed by mobile phone data showing thousands of Starlink connections. Despite pleas from a Santa Clara County deputy district attorney and a Thai parliamentarian, SpaceX and Elon Musk have yet to respond to requests to address this issue. The widespread adoption of Starlink by these criminal organizations highlights the potential for the technology to inadvertently facilitate large-scale fraud.
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Carlos Slim has terminated his partnership with Starlink, opting instead to invest $22 billion in expanding América Móvil’s telecommunications infrastructure over the next three years. This decision follows public tensions between Slim and Elon Musk, including a controversial tweet alleging Slim’s ties to organized crime. The move represents a significant blow to Starlink, costing it a major Latin American partner and billions in potential revenue. América Móvil’s investment redirects planned Starlink projects to Chinese and European companies, impacting not only Starlink’s financial prospects but also the U.S.’s commercial presence in the region.
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Starlink, Elon Musk’s SpaceX satellite internet service, is poised to potentially acquire a significant FAA contract for air traffic control system upgrades, raising concerns about conflicts of interest. This follows Musk’s public criticism of the current Verizon system and the FAA’s confirmation of Starlink testing at several facilities. Experts and lawmakers express worry about potential undue influence stemming from Musk’s relationship with President Trump, emphasizing the importance of objective contracting decisions based on taxpayer interests. The situation highlights the complexities of government contracting when individuals with close ties to the administration also hold substantial business interests.
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Reuters reported that the U.S. threatened to cut off Starlink service to Ukraine unless a minerals deal was reached, a claim Elon Musk vehemently denied on X, calling it a falsehood and accusing Reuters of lying. This followed reports that negotiations were ongoing after Ukrainian President Zelensky initially rejected a U.S. proposal. Musk’s denial lacks supporting evidence and contrasts with his past criticisms of Ukraine and support for Russian narratives. The potential Starlink interruption is significant given its crucial role in Ukraine’s war effort.
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Poland’s continued financial support for Ukraine’s Starlink satellite internet access is a testament to the unwavering solidarity between the two nations. This commitment speaks volumes about Poland’s commitment to supporting Ukraine during this challenging time. It underscores the crucial role reliable communication plays in a nation’s ability to defend itself and coordinate its efforts effectively, especially in the context of ongoing conflict.
The decision by Poland to shoulder this responsibility also highlights the complexities of international relations and the shifting dynamics of geopolitical alliances. The situation exposes the potential vulnerabilities inherent in relying on a single provider of essential technology, particularly when political motivations might outweigh purely commercial considerations.… Continue reading
Matt Underwood 
John Q. Hosedrinker