Italy is developing its own low-orbit satellite network for secure government communications amid concerns over its €1.5 billion ($1.6 billion) Starlink deal with Elon Musk.
Doubts were fuelled by the United States' pullback from European security. In addition, Musk is being seen as an unreliable partner by some of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s staff due to his alliance with U.S. President Donald Trump.
Italy’s Industry Minister Adolfo Urso confirmed the government's plan to develop an independent system.
“We are working on creating a national low-orbit satellite network with the involvement of key domestic players,” Urso said.
Confidential sources say a potential alternative source for secure satellite-based communications is Eutelsat Communications.
“Eutelsat regularly engages with European governments and institutions on secure satellite communications,” an Eutelsat spokesperson said.
The issue was brought up in a meeting with ministers on Tuesday when Meloni suggested changing politics required viable alternatives. Italian President Sergio Mattarella strongly supported this.
Italy initially made deals with SpaceX in January to provide communication services for the Italian military and a direct-to-cell satellite service during emergencies.
