Italy to Test Starlink Satellite Internet in Remote Areas

Italy plans to test satellite internet with Starlink to offer internet services in remote areas across the country.

According to Reuters, government officials discussed the Starlink project this Tuesday during a ministerial meeting on technology on Lake Como, as confirmed by Alessio Butti, Undersecretary to the Prime Minister’s Office to the Italian newspaper Il Sole 24 Ore.

“We’re assessing with Starlink and other players the possibility of complementing existing infrastructure with satellites for the most remote areas,” said Butti.

Butti explained that multiple alternatives have been discussed in order to reduce delays and improve current services provided by companies with fiber plans.

“In reference to Starlink in particular, we’re currently speaking to some regions – in the north, center, and south of the country – to test a ‘space-based service’ for remote areas or areas without terrestrial infrastructure,” added the undersecretary.

The government’s goal is to guarantee that homes and businesses across the country will have internet speeds of 1 gigabit per second by 2026.

“The Italy at 1 Giga scheme is a key element of our commitments under the post-pandemic recovery plan, and we’re aware of the importance of reaching the target set for 2026,” Butti said.

According to Decode39, in June, Starlink reached an agreement with the company Telespazio in Italy to distribute services and was praised by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Elon Musk’s company has been providing services in this country since September 2021.

Starlink keeps expanding across the globe, and recently launched a portable satellite internet antenna for backpackers called Starlink Mini.