French satellite operator Eutelsat is
having "very positive talks" with the Italian government to
provide systems for secure satellite communications as part of
an operation that could replace the offer made by Elon Musk's
Starlink, according to media reports on Thursday.
Eutelstat is the world's third-largest satellite operator and a
competitor to Elon Muskïs Starlink.
Eutelsat CEO Eva Berneke told Bloomberg Television in an
interview that the company is having very positive negotiations
with Italy and has always had good relations with Rome,
expressing the hope they will continue in the future, when asked
whether an agreement was close.
Italy is looking to guarantee encrypted communications between
the government, diplomats and defence officials in key areas.
Berneke recalled in the interview with Bloomberg Television that
Eutelstat has a long-running cooperation with Telespazio and
with Italy and is looking to deepen this connection.
Rumoured talks between Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's
government and Musk's Starlink have been criticized by members
of the opposition on the grounds that national security would be
at risk with the deal.
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