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Italy Tests Starlink Antennas in Embassies, No National Security Deal Yet

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Italy has begun testing Starlink antennas in four of its embassies globally, marking an early experiment in securing communications for government officials, but has not yet entered into any formal national security contract with Elon Musk’s Starlink. According to Luca Ciriani, the country’s Minister for Parliamentary Relations, the antennas are part of trials to test their functionality but are not currently active for official communication.

The right-wing government of Italy is exploring solutions to guarantee encrypted communications between diplomats and defense officials, particularly in high-risk regions. Starlink has emerged as one of the potential providers, but the government’s discussions with Musk’s company have raised concerns. Critics, particularly opposition politicians, have voiced strong opposition, questioning the prudence of allowing a foreign businessman with ties to U.S. President Donald Trump to handle a sensitive aspect of the nation’s security.

As of now, the antennas have been installed in embassies in Burkina Faso, Bangladesh, Lebanon, and Iran, but none have been used for active communication. The government confirmed that the antennas were only activated for testing purposes, with plans to suspend and potentially reactivate them when needed.

Ciriani emphasized that the antennas would not be used to transmit classified information and that Italy has not entrusted any critical infrastructure to Starlink. The trials have been conducted through third-party contracts, not a direct agreement between Italy and SpaceX, the parent company of Starlink.

Starlink, with a constellation of 6,700 satellites, is the leading player in the satellite communications industry. However, Eutelsat, a Franco-British competitor managing around 650 low Earth orbit satellites, is also in discussions with the Italian government. Reports suggest that Italy is considering a potential five-year contract worth 1.5 billion euros ($1.63 billion) for satellite communication services.

Italy’s League Party Supports Starlink Over Eutelsat for Secure Satellite Communications

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Italy’s co-ruling League party has urged the Italian government to choose U.S.-based Starlink over the French-led Eutelsat for the country’s secure satellite communications system. The League argues that Starlink offers more advanced technology, particularly for encrypted communications between government officials, diplomats, and defense personnel in high-risk areas.

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s government is focused on securing a reliable satellite communications system, with a particular interest in ensuring safe communication channels for its operations in conflict zones. While Eutelsat is among the companies engaged in talks with the Italian government, along with Elon Musk’s Starlink, the League has made it clear that it supports the American company’s technology, citing its dominant position in the sector with 6,700 active satellites, compared to Eutelsat’s roughly 600.

“In the Italian interest, it would be odd to choose a French entity over a more technologically advanced and cutting-edge system like the American one,” the League stated, without directly naming either company. The League, a far-right political party, is part of the ruling coalition with Meloni’s Brothers of Italy and the moderate Forza Italia, and is a known supporter of U.S. President Donald Trump, a close adviser to Musk.

Eutelsat’s CEO, Eva Berneke, confirmed ongoing discussions with Italy, emphasizing the company’s ability to meet the country’s current needs for satellite communications as the EU’s IRIS² satellites face delays. While Starlink and Eutelsat are the primary providers with low-orbit constellations, Italy has yet to formally enter negotiations with either company, with sources from Meloni’s office indicating that any decision will follow full institutional procedures and transparency.

Opposition parties in Italy have raised concerns about entrusting such a crucial national security contract to Musk, especially given recent controversies surrounding Starlink’s role in Ukraine’s satellite communications. Despite these concerns, the League has made it clear that Italy’s national interests should be the primary consideration, avoiding any ideological biases in favor of its relationship with the U.S.

Musk responded to the League’s support on social media, expressing his gratitude.

Italy’s Parliament Rejects Opposition Amendments to Space Bill

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Italy’s parliament has rejected opposition amendments to a space bill that aimed to prevent the government from acquiring satellite services from non-EU companies, including those owned by U.S. tech billionaire Elon Musk. The amendments, proposed by the Democratic Party (PD), were viewed by some as attempts to limit competition in favor of European entities.

The draft bill, which still requires approval from both houses of parliament, outlines a framework in which Italy’s communications would be transmitted solely through satellites owned by operators based in the EU or the Atlantic Alliance (NATO). The goal is to ensure secure satellite communications for Italian diplomats and officials working in high-risk regions.

PD lawmakers sought to impose additional restrictions, proposing that Italy only work with non-EU satellite providers when absolutely necessary. They also pushed for exclusive Italian ownership and control over encryption and software and hardware components used in such services. However, the ruling coalition led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni opposed these amendments.

Among the companies that could potentially provide these satellite services is Starlink, a satellite internet service owned by Musk’s SpaceX. Starlink has been a key contender for securing the government contract. However, the PD has voiced concerns about working with Musk, a prominent ally of former U.S. President Donald Trump, describing the proposed deal as an “anti-Musk” move.

Andrea Stroppa, a representative for Musk in Italy, criticized the opposition’s stance, describing it as a “crusade” against the billionaire and warning that Starlink is not a “toy for politicians.” Additionally, other companies like Franco-British satellite operator Eutelsat (ETL.PA) have also been in talks with the Italian government regarding the secure communications contracts.

The rejection of the amendments has sparked debate, with PD lawmaker Andrea Casu calling for better guarantees regarding the use of public funds, especially when foreign companies are involved.