Government sources have denied media
reports claiming the executive is in talks with the French
satellite operator Eutelsat
to provide systems for secure satellite communications
"Recent reports that have been circulating about alleged
negotiations between the Italian Government and Eutelsat don't
reflect the truth.
"At the moment, no negotiations are ongoing with Eutelsat nor
with other companies in the sector", the sources said late on
Thursday.
"It is natural for several companies to show interest in
promoting" themselves but "this doesn't imply the start of
formal negotiations", the sources went on to say.
"Any potential decision in this sector will be taken in the full
respect of institutional procedures and with the utmost
transparency", they concluded.
Media reports on Thursday claimed Eutelsat was in talks with the
Italian government as part of an operation that could replace an
offer made by Elon Musk's Starlink. 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 was having very positive negotiations
with Italy and has always had a good relationship 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.
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 under a potential deal.
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