Italy is in advanced discussions with Elon Musk's SpaceX regarding a 1.5 billion euro ($1.55 billion) agreement for the company to supply secure telecommunications to the government, according to Bloomberg News. ($1 = 0.9708 euros)
The discussions are still ongoing, and a final agreement on the five-year contract has not been finalized. However, the project has already received approval from Italy's Intelligence Services and the Defence Ministry, according to the report, citing anonymous sources, reports Reuters.
The report said the deal involves SpaceX supplying Italy with a full range of encryption for telephone and Internet services used by the government.
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, it said.
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.
Reuters reported on December, 2024 that Italy 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.
SpaceX and Italy's Defence Ministry did not immediately respond to Reuters' requests for comment outside regular business hours.
Bd-pratidin English/ Afia
