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The Italian government is reportedly in advanced negotiations with Elon Musk’s SpaceX for a five-year contract worth €1.5 billion to provide secure communications services for government employees and the country’s military.
According to Bloomberg, the proposed deal includes delivering encrypted phone and internet services for government personnel, alongside direct-to-device (D2D) satellite capabilities.
These services would ensure reliable communication during emergencies such as terrorist attacks and natural disasters, enhancing Italy’s crisis response infrastructure.
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The agreement has already received approval from Italy’s intelligence services and the defence ministry, signalling its alignment with the country’s national security priorities.
While talks for the deal reportedly began in 2023, its progress was initially slowed due to concerns from politicians about potential impacts on local telecom operators.
However, the negotiations gained momentum after Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni met with US President-elect Donald Trump on January 4, 2025.
Elon Musk, a strong ally of Trump, is seen as a key figure in advancing US-Italy ties through such collaborations.
