US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy criticised Verizon on Tuesday for delays in its$2.4 billion, 15-year contract with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), saying the company is 'not moving fast enough.'

As the FAA works to upgrade ageing air traffic control systems, Duffy stressed the need for multiple companies to contribute to the effort, adding that the American public 'can't wait 10 or 12 years' for improvements.

Verizon defended its progress, stating it is actively working with FAA technology teams and is open to collaborating with other firms offering complementary services.

Meanwhile, SpaceX's Starlink denied reports that it aims to take over the FAA contract, saying it could be a partial solution but has no plans to replace Verizon's role.

The FAA has been testing Starlink terminals in Alaska to improve weather data access, while the Government Accountability Office warns that one-third of US air traffic control systems are outdated and unsustainable.

Some Democrats have suggested shifting the FAA contract to Starlink due to Elon Musk's ties to Donald Trump, but no official decisions have been made.