Elon Musk's SpaceX is reportedly being lined up to supply satellite internet services for the Italian government via its Starlink subsidiary.
A report from Bloomberg suggested talks between Italy and the US company have made progress after a recent visit from Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to Donald Trump in Florida, ahead of the President Elect's inauguration later this month.
A five-year, €1.5 billion ($1.55 billion) contract has been approved by Italy’s defence department and intelligence services, sources told the newswire, though there has been opposition from some officials.
A final agreement, which would also include providing secure communications for the military and for the government in the event of emergencies and general comms has not yet been reached, it was reported.
According to the Starlink, its constellations of low-orbit satellites are currently serving many major nations, including the US, Canada, the UK, France, Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, Ireland, Belgium, Switzerland, Denmark, Portugal, Australia and New Zealand.
Starlink says it serves more than four million people in 100-plus territories.
As well as its Starlink service for commercial applications ranging, the company is also developing a product called Starshield for defense and sensitive uses.
Amazon.com's Project Kuiper service is aiming to be a competitor but is lagging well behind, though the company founded by Jeff Bezos has just unveiled plans to offer satellite broadband in the UK to expand its footprint.