Italy Plans $1.6 Billion SpaceX Telecom Security Deal (1)

Italy is in advanced talks with Elon Musk’s SpaceX for a deal to provide secure telecommunications for the nation’s government — the largest such project in Europe, people with knowledge of the matter said Sunday.

Discussions are ongoing, and a final agreement on the five-year contract hasn’t been reached, said the people, who asked not to be identified citing confidential discussions. The project has already been approved by Italy’s Intelligence Services as well as Italy’s Defense Ministry, they said.

Italy on Monday confirmed discussions are ongoing, saying no deal had yet been reached. “The talks with SpaceX are part ...