Tech Desk 
Mar 23, 2025
In an unfortunate turn of events, talks between Elon Musk's satellite internet firm Starlink and Italian government have come to a halt.
Italy's defence minister brought the development to light on Saturday while hinting at serious geopolitical tensions, indicating that the long-awaited Starlink deal with a European nation is not expected soon, according to Reuters.
It emerged that the Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's administration is considering bringing Musk-led satellite internet in the country in order to keep correspondence confidential between the government, diplomats and defence officials working in risky areas, something for which Starlink stands as a formidable player to ensure.
"It seems to me that everything has come to a standstill," the publication quoted Italy's Defence Minister Guido Crosetto as saying, citing sources.
Not disclosing much about the reason leading to the suspension of negotiations between Musk and Italian government, Crosetto pointed at the discussions shifting from technical aspects to "statements" by and about Musk.
It's worth noting that being a strong contender in the realmof satellite internet provider, Starlink has been providing satellite internet in Italy since 2021 with nearly 7,000 active low-orbit satellites.
Italy was about to secure a five-year deal worth a total of 1.5 billion euros ($1.62 billion) with Starlink, the most prominent subsidiary of Musk's SpaceX group.
