| Italy to Develop Own Satellite System for Government Communication |
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| Italy plans to create its own system of low-orbit satellites for government connection, as announced by Minister of Industry Adolfo Urso. This decision is seen as an alternative to utilizing Elon Musk’s Starlink network, a proposal previously considered by the government. |
| In the past, the Cabinet of Ministers had entertained the idea of using Starlink for secure communication among officials working in high-risk areas. However, this suggestion faced backlash from the opposition, citing concerns about entrusting a vital element of national security to a foreign entrepreneur closely linked with the US government. |
| Adolfo Urso, a member of the Italian Brothers party, revealed in parliament that the government is actively working towards establishing an independent low-orbit satellite system in collaboration with major Italian companies. He highlighted that this new system will serve as a competitive alternative to foreign operators, including SpaceX. |
| The specific companies involved in the project have not been disclosed yet, but the head of the local Ministry of Industry and Trade mentioned that the National Space Agency will provide technical and economic justification. Furthermore, the timeline for the program’s implementation remains unspecified. |
| While Elon Musk had indicated his willingness to offer services in Italy and his rapport with Meloni had sparked hopes of potential cooperation, Minister of Defense Guido Crosetto clarified that no agreements have been finalized at this point. |
| Currently, SpaceX’s Starlink operates 6700 satellites in low near-Earth orbit. Despite previous discussions about a five-year contract worth 1.5 billion euros with SpaceX, Italy is now moving towards establishing its own autonomous infrastructure for secure communication. This initiative aims to assert control over critical communications and reduce dependence on foreign technologies. |
/Reports, release notes, official announcements.