Alphabet’s Google is in discussions with the Italian government to establish base stations in Sicily for a submarine fiber optic cable network across the Mediterranean, according to cabinet undersecretary Alessio Butti. Speaking during a Group of Seven ministerial meeting, Butti stated, “Google is very interested, and we are in talks about base stations in Sicily.”
Google is already collaborating with Telecom Italia’s submarine cable unit, Sparkle, to manage two cable systems connecting the Middle East with southern Europe and Asia. Telecom Italia recently entered exclusive negotiations with Italy’s Treasury and Asterion to sell Sparkle by November 30.
Butti emphasized Sparkle’s strategic importance, noting that 95-99% of internet traffic relies on submarine cables, with approximately 16% of that involving the Mediterranean Sea.
