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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