Italy explores Starlink to boost broadband rollout

Italy is set to begin trials in January to evaluate the feasibility of Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite network for enhancing high-speed internet coverage. The initiative aims to address delays in meeting broadband targets set under the EU Recovery Plan. With only one-third of targeted buildings currently connected, satellite solutions like Starlink could complement fibre-optic networks to provide coverage in remote regions.

The pilot, expected to conclude by March, will assess whether combining satellite and fibre systems can deliver the required 1-gigabit-per-second speeds. Starlink’s low-latency broadband already serves 55,000 users in Italy, but previous trials failed to meet peak-speed benchmarks. Opposition parties, however, have raised cybersecurity concerns over involving a non-EU provider like Starlink, proposing legislative amendments to limit its role in Italy‘s internet infrastructure.

If successful, the plan could deploy Starlink gateways in remote areas, facilitating fibre operators to connect the final stretch to homes, potentially saving time and reducing costs in achieving coverage goals.