Musk’s Starlink eyes expansion in Italy despite regulatory delays
Talks are ongoing between Italy and Starlink for secure government communications and improved rural internet access.
Elon Musk’s Starlink is seeking to acquire additional spectrum in Italy to enhance its satellite communications network, but regulatory approval remains stalled.
The company applied for access to E-band frequencies two years ago, but the Italian government has yet to grant final approval. Authorities are waiting for a European Union-wide decision on spectrum allocation before moving forward.
Starlink, which operates thousands of low-orbit satellites, has been offering services in Italy since 2021 and currently serves around 55,000 customers.
The company is considering building another ground station in northern Italy due to strong demand while potentially scaling back operations in the south, where uptake has been lower than expected.
The Italian government is also exploring the use of Starlink’s network for secure communications in diplomatic and military operations, as well as to improve internet access in remote areas.
However, progress has been slow amid political opposition and broader EU regulatory uncertainties.
For more information on these topics, visit diplomacy.edu.
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