Obligation to have a starlink terminal on the plane to enable communication with the radio tower. This comes with the added bonus of enabling Elon to sell Starlink internet in-flight.

Prescribed users will get access to net and non-users will get forked as per-usual. But with an Elon branded fork instead.

I also expect he's eager to make it proprietary. That way it would then force all other airlines that route through the USA to have a Starlink terminals too.

I use a mini in-flight. I welcome anything to bring the price down (currently $250/mo for 50 GB)

However, this "fix" not being put out for bid is ridiculous. That's not how competition and the market works. This feels like African-style "whatchu gonna do about it" big man corruption.

The story is misleading and the commenter adds extra nonsense.