CPDLC exists and is used. It has its limitations though - it doesn’t provide as much flexibility for pilot replies, pilots don’t always have a free hand to text with (especially in turbulence), and is generally slower and more clumsy than voice so is only suitable for routine, non-time-sensitive messages.

That sounds like a system that was bound to fail, because it was kept limited to a certain range of capabilities.

One can easily imagine a system that broadcasts the weather and clearance, and even aircraft location data close to real-time, and provide great situational awareness to everyone involved.

I don't think it's acceptable to put tens of thousands of people within a crowded airspace and not do everything in our power to keep things organized and secure.

> That sounds like a system that was bound to fail, because it was kept limited to a certain range of capabilities.

You're always going to be limited to a limited range of capabilities. You can't run a full web browser in every cockpit - you need a standardized interface that works across different vendors, across borders, and over a low-bandwidth radio link.

And I don't think anybody considers CPDLC a failure. The goal was never to 100% replace voice communication.

> One can easily imagine a system that broadcasts the weather

That exists, it's called FIS-B. Everyone uses it.

> and clearance

Clearance isn't something that can just be broadcast. You need to have a conversation with the pilot to make sure the clearance is acceptable to them. The pilot needs the ability to reject the clearance and request amendments.

> even aircraft location data close to real-time, and provide great situational awareness to everyone involved.

This exists, it's called ADS-B. Everyone uses it.