Italy Nears €1.5 Billion, Five-Year Starlink Deal with SpaceX for Secure Government Communications

Jan 5, 2025, 11:45 PM

Italy is in advanced talks with Elon Musk's SpaceX for a deal worth approximately €1.5 billion ($1.6 billion) to provide secure telecommunications services for the Italian government, according to reports from Bloomberg News and others. The proposed five-year contract would involve SpaceX's Starlink satellite network supplying encrypted phone and internet services, as well as communication support for the Italian military, including military operations in the Mediterranean. This would make it the largest such project in Europe. The deal has reportedly received approval from Italy's Intelligence Services and Defense Ministry. Discussions began in 2023, but some officials have expressed concerns about the potential impact on local carriers in Italy's competitive telecom market and the decision to opt for SpaceX over alternatives like the European Union’s Iris² satellite network. Opposition parties have also sought greater clarity on the government's dealings with SpaceX. The Italian Prime Minister's office has confirmed that talks with SpaceX are ongoing regarding the Starlink system but stated that no contracts have been signed.