The Italian government is reportedly negotiating with SpaceX, Elon Musk’s space company, to supply an advanced security system for government telecommunications. According to confidential sources cited by Bloomberg, this would be the largest project of its kind in Europe, with a five-year contract worth an estimated 1.5 billion euros. Negotiations, which began in 2023 and recently unblocked, are at an advanced stage but still far from final signing.
The agreement, if reached, would provide the Italian government with an encryption system for telephone and Internet communications, ensuring that sensitive data remains inaccessible to unauthorized parties. SpaceX would use its Starlink satellite technology, already recognized for its ability to provide Internet connections even in remote areas. In addition, the deal would include satellite services for the Italian military and the ability to access direct-to-cell connections in emergency situations, such as natural disasters or terrorist attacks.
Also according to Bloomberg, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s surprise visit to Donald Trump, recently elected president of the United States, would still be linked to this agreement. Trump, close to Musk, would have facilitated a favorable climate for the negotiations, which began as mentioned in 2023 but slowed down in the last period. After the visit, however, discussions would resume.
In a note released today Monday, Nov. 6, the Italian government denied the existence of the agreement, claiming that no “contracts have been signed or agreements have been concluded between the Italian government.” In fact, Bloomberg did not mention the “conclusion” of the agreement but only the ongoing discussions.
SpaceX, however, is no stranger to controversy in Italy. In recent years, the company has clashed with Telecom Italia, accusing it of hindering the introduction of Starlink services in the country. Despite this, Italy is already SpaceX’s customer for some telecommunications services, making the deal under discussion an extension of existing partnerships. Alternatives considered, such as the European IRIS² system or the development of a national infrastructure, were discarded due to high costs, estimated at more than 10 billion euros.
If the agreement goes through, Italy would become one of the pioneer countries in adopting advanced satellite technologies for national security.
Article Italy is reportedly seeking a deal with Space X to protect telecommunications comes from TheNewyorker.
