Starlink Seeks More Spectrum Access in Italy Amid EU Coordination Delay

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Starlink, Elon Musk’s space-based internet service, is pushing for access to additional spectrum in Italy to expand its satellite broadband capabilities. The company, which has been operating in Italy since 2021, submitted an application two years ago for access to the E-band spectrum, which would improve communications between its three Italian ground stations and its satellite network. This request has not been previously disclosed.

The E-band frequencies Starlink is targeting—71.0-76.0 GHz and 81.0-86.0 GHz—are already available to the company in the United States. If granted in Italy, this additional access would significantly boost Starlink’s ability to serve more customers, especially as the company seeks to strengthen its first-mover advantage in the low-orbit satellite broadband sector.

Italy’s Industry Junior Minister, Massimo Bitonci, stated that the country is adopting a cautious approach, waiting for the European Union to coordinate a unified stance on E-band spectrum usage. The E-band is jointly managed by Italy’s Ministry of Industry and the Ministry of Defense, with some frequencies requiring defense approval. However, no decision has been made yet regarding Starlink’s request.

In addition to spectrum concerns, Starlink is contemplating expanding its network by adding a new ground station in northern Italy, where demand has exceeded expectations. Conversely, it may reduce its presence in southern Italy, where demand has been lower than anticipated.

Starlink has approximately 55,000 customers in Italy, a figure that highlights the growing demand for its service in the country, where internet access in remote regions remains a challenge.

Volkswagen Plans Entry-Level Electric Car for Europe at €20,000 in 2027

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Volkswagen announced that its upcoming entry-level electric car, expected to be priced around €20,000 ($21,580), will primarily target the European market when it is released in 2027. The company aims to reduce battery costs by then to meet the affordability goal for the vehicle. This model will be the first to feature software developed through Volkswagen’s joint venture with U.S.-based electric vehicle maker Rivian. The collaboration will reduce the need for electronic control units and minimize wiring, making the car lighter and simplifying the manufacturing process.

The company is planning to launch eight new affordable electric models by 2027, including the ID.2, a €25,000 vehicle slated for release this year. While there are only a few models priced under €20,000 in Europe, such as the Dacia Spring and Leapmotor’s T03, 11 new electric vehicles priced under €25,000 will be available this year, including the Renault R5, Fiat Grand Panda, and Hyundai Inster.

Volkswagen’s effort to create affordable EVs is a response to the growing competition from Chinese manufacturers. The company is also focusing on cost-cutting and streamlining its operations to ensure it has the resources needed to invest in more affordable models. The brand’s previous talks with Renault to jointly produce an affordable electric Twingo collapsed last year, leaving Renault to proceed with the project independently, with plans to launch the vehicle in 2026.

YouTube Launches New $7.99 Subscription Plan to Compete with Streaming Giants

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On Wednesday, YouTube introduced a more affordable subscription plan, Premium Lite, priced at $7.99 per month. This new tier removes ads from most videos, except for music content, making it a more budget-friendly option for viewers who don’t primarily use the platform for music. YouTube’s move aims to better compete with streaming services like Netflix and Disney, offering a plan designed for users who rarely watch music videos or listen to music.

The new Premium Lite plan contrasts with YouTube’s existing $13.99 Premium plan, which is ad-free for both videos and music. Additionally, the $10.99 plan offers ad-free music videos but retains ads for other content, essentially reversing the focus of the new service.

YouTube has noticed a rising demand for more affordable options, particularly among users already subscribed to other music streaming services, such as Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music. This demand has been most evident in the U.S. market, where competition for music streaming subscriptions is fierce.

John Harding, Vice President of Engineering at YouTube, noted that the focus of Premium Lite is to attract a larger pool of potential users who wouldn’t typically pay for YouTube’s higher-tier services. Jack Greenberg, YouTube Premium’s Product Director, added that the new plan targets users who don’t require music content but want an ad-free video experience.

The company had already tested Premium Lite in Australia, Germany, and Thailand, with positive early results showing an increase in first-time subscribers. In fact, more users have upgraded from Premium Lite to the full Premium plan than those downgrading.

YouTube also announced that it now has over 125 million paying subscribers, up from 100 million in January 2024. While advertising still makes up the majority of YouTube’s revenue—$36 billion in 2024—subscriptions are increasingly contributing to its growth. YouTube’s combined ad and subscription revenue surpassed $50 billion over the past year.