Italy Nears €1.6 Billion Deal with SpaceX's Starlink for Secure Government Telecom, Europe's Largest Project

Jan 5, 2025, 08:15 PM

Italy is in advanced negotiations with Elon Musk's SpaceX, specifically its Starlink division, for a five-year, €1.5 billion ($1.6 billion) deal to provide secure telecommunications services for the Italian government, according to Bloomberg. The agreement, which would be the largest of its kind in Europe, includes encrypted phone and internet services, advanced encryption for government communications, and military support in the Mediterranean region. The discussions, which reportedly began in 2023, have received approval from Italy’s Intelligence Services and Defense Ministry. However, some Italian officials have expressed concerns that the deal could impact local telecom carriers in Italy's competitive market. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni recently met with former U.S. President Donald Trump in Florida, and some local media suggest that the agreement with SpaceX is a result of this meeting. Alternative options, such as the European Union's Satellite Constellation Company IRIS, were considered, but Italy appears poised to proceed with SpaceX's Starlink.