Starlink: High-speed internet will be available even in difficult places, Maharashtra will become the first state to connect to Starlink..

The Maharashtra government and Starlink Satellite Communications signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) on Wednesday, marking the first step towards bringing satellite-based internet services to India. The partnership will officially take effect once the SpaceX subsidiary receives regulatory approval from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and the Government of India. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stated that the company will provide internet connectivity to state government institutions, rural communities, and critical public infrastructure in remote and backward areas.

Maharashtra Becomes the First State in India to Partner with Starlink

Posting on X (formerly Twitter), Fadnavis stated that Maharashtra has become the first state in India to sign a formal LoI with Starlink Satellite Communications Private Limited. This agreement aims to launch satellite-based internet connectivity across the state. On November 5, Starlink Vice President Lauren Dreyer met with state officials in Mumbai and signed the partnership. This collaboration is considered a significant step towards strengthening digital access in Maharashtra.

Focus on Connectivity in Remote Districts

The state government announced that Starlink services will be rolled out to government institutions, rural areas, and critical public infrastructure. Districts such as Gadchiroli, Nandurbar, Dharashiv (formerly Osmanabad), and Washim, which are classified as remote or underserved, will receive connectivity in the first phase. Satellite internet is considered a better solution for areas where fiber networks are difficult to reach due to geographical conditions and low population density.

Part of Maharashtra's Digital Push

Fadnavis said that this initiative is aligned with the state's "Digital Maharashtra" mission, which focuses on digital empowerment and last-mile connectivity. This partnership will also be integrated with other government projects, such as electric mobility infrastructure, coastal development programs, and disaster management systems, where non-stop connectivity is considered essential.

Starlink's entry into India gets a boost.

Starlink, a subsidiary of Elon Musk's SpaceX, operates the world's largest satellite communications network in low-Earth orbit. According to Space.com, as of October, approximately 8,811 Starlink satellites were in orbit, of which 8,795 were active. The company is awaiting regulatory approval to launch commercial satellite broadband services in India from January 2025. India's internet infrastructure is currently dominated by mobile and fiber networks, so the entry of a satellite internet service provider would be a major milestone.

Contributing to National Digital Inclusion

CM Fadnavis stated that this collaboration supports the central government's 'Digital India' mission, which aims to improve digital infrastructure and internet access across the country. If successful, this project could serve as a model for other states seeking to address connectivity gaps in their remote areas. Satellite connectivity in India is now being seen as a major step towards bridging the digital divide.

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