Italy and SpaceX to sign 1.5 billion euro contract? Musk: We are ready!

Italy is in deep negotiations with SpaceX, the space exploration technology company owned by the world's richest person, Musk, over a 1.5 billion euros (approximately 1.55 billion dollars) deal. This deal will enable SpaceX to provide comprehensive top-notch encryption services to the Italian government's telephone and internet services.

Italy and SpaceX to sign a five-year contract?

According to Bloomberg, the plan also includes providing communication services to the Italian military in the Mediterranean region, and introducing the so-called direct-to-cell satellite services in Italy for use in emergencies such as terrorist attacks or natural disasters.

(SpaceX, owned by Musk, is approved to provide mobile direct satellite services via Starlink)

Since mid-2023, this potential transaction has been under review. Some Italian officials have expressed opposition, fearing that these services may harm local businesses.

In 2024 alone, SpaceX, owned by Musk, will include more than 20 countries from the Republic of Ghana to Argentina in its Starlink satellite network service. Currently, it serves over 4 million people in more than 100 countries and regions, covering the globe with broadband services, squeezing traditional telecom operators, and surpassing challenges from competitors such as Amazon and China.

At the end of last year, Kyivstar PJSC, the largest mobile operator in Ukraine, signed an agreement with Starlink to launch mobile satellite service, allowing telecom infrastructure to stay out of the reach of attacks from Russia.

SpaceX provides Starlink services for commercial applications ranging from residential internet service to maritime and aviation, and is also developing a product called Starshield for defense and sensitive purposes.

Musk: We're ready!

Sources revealed that the five-year contract plan has been approved by the Italian intelligence department and the Italian Ministry of Defense, but discussions are still ongoing and a final agreement has not been reached yet.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni visited the incoming US President Trump last Saturday, and there are reports that progress has been made on this long-standing issue. However, the Italian government stated that the two did not discuss this issue during the meeting.

But Musk confidently stated that he is ready to provide Italy with the safest and most advanced connection on his X!

Italy is one of the countries where Starlink has provided services. The company provides broadband internet through its network of more than 7,000 SpaceX satellites. However, last year, Starlink claimed that Italian telecommunications companies were blocking the launch of its high-speed internet service.

Insiders say the Italian government is reviewing alternative options for Musk's Starlink, including the EU's IRIS² satellite constellation and building its own satellite network. In both cases, the project cost will exceed 10 billion euros.

This article Italy and SpaceX will sign a 1.5 billion euro contract? Musk: We are ready! First appeared in Chain News ABMedia.