Italy in Advanced Talks With SpaceX for $1.5 Billion, 5-Year Secure Telecom Deal, Largest in Europe

Jan 5, 2025, 08:45 PM

Italy is in advanced talks with Elon Musk's SpaceX for a $1.5 billion (€1.55 billion) deal to provide secure telecommunications for the nation's government, marking the largest such project in Europe. The five-year contract, which has not yet been finalized, includes a full range of encryption for government telephone and internet services, as well as communication services for the Italian military in the Mediterranean area. The project has already received approval from Italy's Intelligence Services and Defense Ministry. The deal also encompasses the rollout of satellite services in Italy for emergency use, such as in cases of terrorist attacks or natural disasters. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who has a close relationship with Musk, met with Donald Trump in Florida on January 4, 2025, ahead of these discussions.