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United Airlines to Launch Starlink In-Flight Internet by Spring

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United Airlines (UAL.O) announced that it plans to begin testing Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite internet service in February, with plans to offer connectivity on commercial flights operated by Embraer (EMBR3.SA) E-175 aircraft starting this spring. The airline aims to equip its entire regional fleet with Starlink by the end of 2025 and have its first Starlink-enabled planes on major routes by the year’s close.

While Starlink will be available on all flights in the future, access will be free for MileagePlus members, marking a shift from the airline’s initial plan to offer free Wi-Fi to all passengers. United had signed a deal with SpaceX’s Starlink last year to provide in-flight internet services across its fleet, which includes over 1,000 aircraft. Starlink has also secured deals with other airlines like Hawaiian Airlines and regional carrier JSX as part of its strategy to expand beyond rural consumer markets.

Italy in Advanced Talks for $1.55 Billion Security Services Deal with SpaceX

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Italy is reportedly in advanced negotiations with SpaceX for a deal worth 1.5 billion euros ($1.55 billion) to provide secure telecommunications services to the government, according to Bloomberg News. The deal, which would span five years, is set to include a range of services, including secure encryption for government communications and satellite services for Italy’s military operations in the Mediterranean and emergency response efforts.

Although the discussions are ongoing and a final agreement has not been reached, the project has received approval from Italy’s Intelligence Services and Defence Ministry, as per the report. The deal would also see the implementation of SpaceX’s satellite services for use in situations such as terrorist attacks or natural disasters.

The talks occur in the context of increasing ties between Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and SpaceX’s Elon Musk, who is also a close ally of former U.S. President Donald Trump. Additionally, Italy plans to begin testing Starlink satellite-based connectivity for enhancing high-speed internet rollout across the country.

 

Elon Musk’s SpaceX Looks to Strengthen Its Presence in Italy Through Starlink Expansion

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Elon Musk’s aerospace company, SpaceX, is making a push to enhance its presence in Italy by expanding its satellite broadband venture, Starlink. The country is currently exploring potential agreements with Starlink, and Musk recently expressed readiness to provide Italy with “the most secure and advanced connectivity.”

Musk’s relationship with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has grown stronger, with Meloni cultivating ties with the billionaire, who is closely aligned with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump. Starlink, a subsidiary of SpaceX, operates 6,700 active satellites in low-Earth orbit, maintaining a commanding position in the satellite sector, controlling nearly two-thirds of all active satellites globally. The service currently serves over four million customers worldwide, including around 55,000 in Italy, the third-largest economy in the Eurozone.

Italy is considering two major projects involving Starlink services:

  1. Secure Communications for Government and Diplomats
    Italy is looking to leverage Starlink’s space-based communications for secure transmissions among government officials, diplomats, and military personnel operating in sensitive regions, such as across the Mediterranean. The potential agreement, worth 1.5 billion euros ($1.6 billion) over five years, has been in discussion for several months and was publicly confirmed by Italy’s Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani last October. This satellite system could serve as a more immediate solution compared to the EU’s IRIS2 satellite network, which faces delays and cost overruns.
  2. Bridging the Digital Divide in Remote Areas
    The Italian government is also considering using Starlink to increase internet access in the country’s most underserved and remote regions. With the slow progress of state-funded fiber roll-out programs, Starlink could provide a viable alternative to boost high-speed internet access. The government is preparing to conduct tests later this month to assess the feasibility of using Starlink’s services.

Additionally, Telespazio, a joint venture between Italy’s Leonardo and France’s Thales, has integrated Starlink services into its existing satellite network. The deal, signed in June, aims to commercialize Starlink’s broadband services in Italy.