Italy's reliance on SpaceX for secure communications could leave it vulnerable to disruptions, according to Matthew Hodgson, co-founder of Matrix, a protocol used by the U.S. Navy and European governments. If Italy relies too heavily on Elon Musk's services, it may be unable to communicate with other countries if they were to go down or be shut off, posing a significant risk to its security.
https://www.politico.eu/article/elon-musk-giorgia-meloni-starlink-secure-telecoms/Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni met with US President Donald Trump on Saturday and is now in advanced talks with Elon Musk's SpaceX to secure a $1.6 billion deal for telecommunications services for the Italian government, the largest such project in Europe. The deal would provide secure internet services through Starlink, a satellite-based network operated by SpaceX.
https://news.bloomberglaw.com/ip-law/italy-plans-1-5-billion-spacex-telecom-security-services-dealItalian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's recent meeting with President Trump has reignited discussions for a five-year contract worth $1.6 billion between SpaceX and the Italian government to provide secure telecoms services. The deal, which is reportedly valued at €1.5 billion, would see SpaceX supply encrypted telephone and internet services to the Italian government, including its military operating in the Mediterranean. This would be the largest project of its kind for SpaceX, with unnamed sources stating that Italy's Intelligence Services and Defense Ministry have already expressed approval for the deal. The contract is expected to provide a backup option when cellular connections are unavailable due to terrorist attacks or natural disasters.
https://www.techradar.com/pro/spacex-set-to-sign-billion-dollar-deal-with-italian-government-for-telecoms-security-servicesItaly has signed a deal with SpaceX to provide encryption services for the government's telephone and internet communications, as well as satellite services for emergency situations such as terrorist attacks or natural disasters. The agreement also includes communication services for Italy's military in the Mediterranean area. This move comes after Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni met with Donald Trump at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida, and has previously explored using Elon Musk's Starlink satellite-based connectivity to boost high-speed internet rollout in Italy.
https://channelnewsasia.com/business/italy-talks-over-15-billion-spacex-security-services-deal-bloomberg-news-reports-4839206