There is a number that speaks for itself. Memorize it: 1,5 billion euros. This is how much Italy is ready to invest with SpaceX to shield its government communications. A project that has already received approval from both the secret services and the Ministry of Defense (not necessarily in that order, I imagine). What is it about? Let's see.
The largest infrastructure in Europe
This negotiation between SpaceX and Italy should be followed with great interest, because it could radically change the landscape of European government telecommunications. Bloomberg date even direct sources within the government, who asked to remain anonymous given the sensitivity of the discussions, which confirm that negotiations are in an advanced stage and started in mid-2023.
This is not just a service contract, but the largest project of its kind ever undertaken in Europe. The five-year agreement would put Italy at the forefront of government communications security. But is that all there is to it?
SpaceX in Italy, risks of technological dependence
I ask myself, and I ask you, a specific question: is it right to entrust Italian government communications to a foreign private company? As much as SpaceX is cutting edge (and I am not exactly a detractor of Musk), we are still talking about putting sensitive national data in the hands of a company controlled by "others" and "elsewhere".
Let's not joke, digital sovereignty is a delicate topic: what would happen if tomorrow SpaceX unilaterally decided to change the conditions of service? Or if it were pressured by the American government? And let's not forget the precedents: Starlink has already demonstrated in Ukraine that it can limit the use of its network for military purposes.
A $1,5 billion investment could become a dangerous technological dependency, leaving Italy vulnerable to decisions made overseas. Perhaps, before proceeding, we should consider alternatives to protect our strategic autonomy. If there are any. That said, let's get back to the details of the operation.
A cutting-edge communication system
In this partnership, the role of the company clearly stands out Elon Musk which will provide (with the “constellation” Starlink) a “secure”, quote, and “resilient”, quote, satellite communications system for Italian government institutions.
Of course, the choice of Starlink is not accidental. The system has already demonstrated its effectiveness in complex scenarios, ensuring reliable communications even in critical situations. For Italy, it would represent a quantum leap in secure communication capabilities. The duration of the agreement (five years) is also long enough to implement and thoroughly test the infrastructure, while ensuring the necessary operational stability.
Italy is among the countries already served by Starlink, which provides broadband Internet through its network of over 7.000 SpaceX satellites. Last year, Starlink argued that Telecom Italia was blocking the rollout of its high-speed Internet services.
SpaceX in Italy, the strategic implications
The investment that Italy is preparing to make goes well beyond the simple technological aspect. It is a strategic choice that positions the country as a pioneer in the security of government communications in Europe. The move is part of a broader context of modernization of national critical infrastructures.
One cannot help but wonder about the implications for the future. If the agreement goes through, it could become a model for other European countries, creating a domino effect in the field of secure government communications (and, but I am speculating here, in the field of “supranational” control).
The project, once implemented, could also pave the way for future collaborations in other strategic sectors between SpaceX and Italy, consolidating a long-term technological partnership. The agreement between Prime Minister Meloni and Elon Musk seems like a good start to the “tightening”. How will it end? I will keep you posted, as always.
