Italy, SpaceX Discuss €1.5 Billion Telecom Deal

Italy is reportedly in advanced discussions with Elon Musk’s SpaceX for a €1.5 billion ($1.55 billion) agreement to secure the government’s telecommunications services. According to Bloomberg News, the deal aims to enhance secure communication infrastructure, underscoring Italy’s commitment to leveraging advanced technology.

Discussions are ongoing, and a final agreement on the five-year contract has not been reached, but the report, citing unnamed sources, said the project has already been approved by Italy’s Intelligence Services and Defence Ministry.

SpaceX and Italy’s Defence Ministry did not immediately respond to Reuters’ requests for comment outside regular business hours.

The report said the deal involves SpaceX supplying Italy with a full range of encryption for government-used telephone and Internet services.

It also includes communications services for Italy’s military in the Mediterranean area and the rollout of satellite services in Italy for use in emergencies such as terrorist attacks or natural disasters.

The news comes after Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said on Sunday she was ready to work with Donald Trump after making a surprise visit to his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida to meet the president-elect before his inauguration on January 20.

Meloni has also forged a close relationship with billionaire tech CEO Elon Musk, a close Trump ally.

Italy announced last month that it plans to begin tests as early as January to see if the satellite-based connectivity offered by Musk’s Starlink is a viable solution to boosting the rollout of high-speed internet in the country.

REUTERS