Italy’s League party urges the government to favour Starlink over French-led Eutelsat for satellite communication systems, citing Starlink's technological edge. The push comes amid delays in the EU’s IRIS² program, as Italy seeks secure communication solutions for officials.

"Satellite showdown: Italy's League party favours for Starlink over French-led Eutelsat"  

Italy’s ruling League party is urging the government to favour Elon Musk’s Starlink over the French-led operator Eutelsat in talks to secure satellite communication systems. The push comes as Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s administration seeks encrypted communication solutions for government, diplomatic, and defence officials operating in high-risk areas.  

Starlink, which dominates the sector with 6,700 active satellites compared to Eutelsat’s 600, is considered by the League to be the more technologically advanced option. "It would be odd to choose a French entity over a more avant-garde American system," the party stated, without explicitly naming the companies.  

The discussions come amid delays in the EU’s IRIS² satellite programme, with both Starlink and Eutelsat currently offering viable interim solutions. However, concerns have been raised over Starlink’s role in global security, particularly following suggestions that Musk’s company could restrict Ukraine’s access to its network.  

Meloni’s office clarified that Italy has not entered formal negotiations with any operator and will ensure full transparency in its decision-making. Musk welcomed the League’s backing on his social platform X, responding with a simple: "Much appreciated." 

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