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Italy’s Defence Minister Denies Any Agreement with Starlink for Secure Communications

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Italy’s Defence Minister, Guido Crosetto, sought to calm political tensions on Wednesday following reports that Italy was in talks with Elon Musk’s Starlink to supply secure communications for the military. Crosetto clarified to parliament that no contracts or agreements had been signed with SpaceX, the company behind Starlink, and that the defence ministry had not approved any such deal.

Musk had earlier indicated his willingness to assist Italy, mentioning that Starlink’s satellite-based system could provide secure communications for Italian diplomats and defence officials operating in sensitive Mediterranean regions. A reported €1.5 billion ($1.6 billion) deal over five years has drawn sharp criticism from opposition parties, raising concerns about entrusting such an important service to a private company owned by Musk.

Crosetto emphasized that Italy was still evaluating various technical solutions for encrypted communications and suggested that the country could develop its own equipment if necessary. He also referred to Musk’s comments about other European countries potentially using the system once it was in place in Italy.

Opposition lawmaker Nicola Fratoianni expressed concern over Crosetto’s stance, arguing that national security should not be entrusted to a private monopolist. The possibility of Starlink offering a quicker solution compared to the EU’s IRIS2 satellite constellation has added urgency to the debate.

Ferdinando Nelli Feroci, former Italian ambassador and head of a foreign policy think tank, advised that the matter should be approached with transparency and an open public tender process. He noted that if multiple bidders were involved, and Musk’s proposal emerged as the best option in terms of cost, benefits, and quality, it could be considered.

 

Italy Seeks Full Data Control in Potential Starlink Deal, Musk Adviser States

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Italy is considering a deal with Elon Musk’s Starlink for secure satellite communications, with a strong emphasis on maintaining full control over its data. The potential five-year agreement, valued at 1.5 billion euros ($1.6 billion), would provide encrypted communications for Italy’s government, diplomats, and defense personnel in sensitive and high-risk areas.

The move has sparked criticism from opposition parties, who question whether Italy should rely on a company owned by U.S. billionaire Elon Musk for handling such critical communications. Starlink, a subsidiary of Musk’s SpaceX aerospace business, operates 6,700 active satellites in low-Earth orbit, positioning it as a leading player in satellite telecommunications.

Andrea Stroppa, an adviser for Musk’s aerospace ventures, reassured the public during an interview with Italian state broadcaster RAI, stating that Italian institutions would retain full control over their data. He emphasized that while the technology would be provided by a U.S.-owned company, Italy’s national interests would be safeguarded. The discussions began before Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni assumed office in October 2022.

Meloni, who has a well-documented positive relationship with Musk, dismissed concerns raised by opposition leaders, assuring that the government’s evaluation of the project would remain impartial.

 

Starlink to Introduce Direct-to-Cell Services in Ukraine Through Kyivstar Partnership

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Kyivstar, Ukraine’s leading mobile operator, has entered into an agreement with SpaceX’s Starlink to roll out direct-to-cell satellite connectivity, enabling mobile devices to connect to satellites instead of traditional cell towers. The service will initially offer messaging functionality, with voice and data services to follow in later stages. Expected to be operational by the fourth quarter of 2025, this service will provide crucial communication capabilities in Ukraine, including for military purposes. Financial terms of the deal have not been disclosed. Starlink’s direct-to-cell satellites were launched earlier this year, and the technology has already been introduced in the U.S., Japan, and New Zealand. Ukraine will become the first conflict zone where the service is implemented, with Starlink aiming to overcome jamming efforts by Russia. This move follows Elon Musk’s continued support for Ukraine through satellite internet services, solidifying his involvement in the region’s communication infrastructure.