Telesat eyes Italian government satellite contract
The Canadian satellite operator is in early discussions with Rome to provide encrypted communications for government and defense officials. This move follows stalled negotiations between Italy and Elon Musk's Starlink over similar low-Earth-orbit services.
Telesat of Canada held preliminary talks with Italy to provide encrypted satellite communications for government and defense officials. The discussions follow stalled negotiations between Rome and Starlink over a €1.5 billion deal. A successful contract would establish Telesat as a key sovereign connectivity partner for a major European economy.
### Italy Seeks Alternatives to Starlink The Italian government is prioritizing secure systems for diplomats and military personnel operating in high-risk zones. This push for satellite connectivity comes as tensions rise between Europe and the United States over technological sovereignty. Rome previously considered a five-year agreement with SpaceX, but those talks ended without a deal last year.
