Rome, January 10, 2025 - The Italian government has refuted claims of a five-year contract with Elon Musk's SpaceX for Starlink satellite communication services. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni raised questions about the backlash surrounding the potential deal, emphasizing the necessity of secure and efficient satellite communication for the country.
Despite reports from Bloomberg, which suggested an agreement had been made, both Meloni and Defense Minister Guido Crosetto clarified during a parliamentary session that no contract exists, although discussions have taken place.
Critics have questioned the timing of the controversy, noting that initial talks with Starlink began in 2022 under former Prime Minister Mario Draghi. Starlink is recognized for its superior service, having launched nearly 7,000 satellites since 2019, with plans for a total of 42,000.
In contrast, competitors like OneWeb and Amazon's Kuiper project lag significantly behind. OneWeb has only 600 satellites in orbit, and Kuiper has yet to launch any. The European Iris 2 program, set to deploy around 290 satellites, is also projected to be operational only after 2030.
Crosetto highlighted the military's interest in low-orbit satellites for their continuous coverage and reduced latency, essential for national operations. Current military communications rely on the Sicral system, which, while reliable, has limitations.
Former Defense Minister Roberta Pinotti acknowledged SpaceX's strength in the sector, noting concerns about entrusting sensitive information to private entities. The ongoing debate reflects the challenges Italy faces in securing advanced communication technology.