Elon Musk is no stranger to making headlines, and this time, his Starlink satellite network is sparking buzz in Italy. Musk recently took to X (formerly Twitter) to declare his readiness to provide Italy with top-tier, secure communication services. This came after Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni visited the United States, raising speculation about potential agreements with Musk’s company.
But wait—Meloni’s office was quick to shut down the chatter.
“SpaceX? Not on the Agenda,” Says Meloni’s Office
In a firm statement, Meloni’s team dismissed claims that SpaceX was a discussion point during her surprise visit to meet incoming U.S. President Donald Trump in Florida. “Ridiculous,” the office called it, clarifying that talks with SpaceX are routine matters handled by government departments exploring secure data encryption services.
So, what’s the story? While Bloomberg News suggested Italy’s discussions with SpaceX had recently gained momentum after Meloni’s Mar-a-Lago visit, the prime minister’s office insists no deals were struck.
Musk’s Offer: Advanced Connectivity for Italy
Elon Musk isn’t one to shy away from offering his tech. In a post on X, he confidently stated:
“Ready to provide Italy the most secure and advanced connectivity!”
Starlink, part of Musk’s SpaceX empire, has been operational in Italy since 2021. It provides internet via a network of low Earth orbit satellites. While Starlink’s Italian user base is modest—about 50,000 customers—it’s being eyed for bigger things.
Bridging the Connectivity Gap in Italy
Italy is considering Starlink to tackle a pressing issue: expanding internet access in hard-to-reach areas where public-funded fiber rollout has lagged. In October, the Italian foreign ministry revealed Starlink was also being evaluated for bolstering communications for diplomats and defense officials operating in high-risk zones across the Mediterranean.
A Billion-Euro Question
A potential defense contract with Starlink is under scrutiny. Reports suggest a price tag of 1.5 billion euros over five years. Critics, including members of Italy’s opposition party, are demanding transparency about the government’s plans in parliament.
Defending the idea, Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto acknowledged Musk’s “de facto monopoly” on low-orbit satellites. “If you need low-orbit connectivity, you need to talk to him,” Crosetto told lawmakers, adding that Europe’s alternative system would take 10-15 years to develop.
What’s Next for Italy and Starlink?
For now, the discussions remain just that—talks. But one thing is clear: Musk’s Starlink could play a pivotal role in shaping Italy’s connectivity future. Whether it’s bridging digital divides or securing vital communications, Starlink has the tech, and Musk is ready to deliver.
And as the debate continues, Italy—and the rest of the world—will be watching closely.