Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis with Starlink VP Lauren Dreyer after signing the satellite internet partnership agreement in Mumbai (Photo: X | @Dev_Fadnavis)
In a major initiative, Maharashtra has become the first Indian state to join hands with billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk's Starlink to expand internet connectivity across remote and underserved regions.
The move is seen as a major step under the state's Digital Maharashtra mission to improve access to education, healthcare and governance through satellite based broadband services.
The Maharashtra government signed an LoI with Starlink Satellite Communications Private Limited for the provision of high-speed satellite internet for government institutions, rural communities, and critical public infrastructure.
The announcement, made by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, will be implemented following a nod from the Government of India for the necessary regulatory clearances to Starlink.
“With Starlink’s modern satellite technology, Maharashtra takes a strong leap toward bridging the last digital gap,” said the Chief Minister, explaining that this move would benefit remote districts like Gadchiroli, Nandurbar, Washim and Dharashiv.
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The LoI was inked in the presence of Fadnavis by Starlink Vice President Lauren Dreyer and Virendra Singh, Secretary of the Department of Information Technology. The partnership is expected to improve digital connectivity in areas inaccessible by conventional networks.
Fadnavis termed the tie-up as a landmark, saying, “It is an honour that one of the world’s largest ICT companies, led by Elon Musk, is partnering with Maharashtra. This step takes us closer to a future ready state while advancing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Digital India mission.”
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Lauren Dreyer praised the collaboration, reaffirming that Starlink is committed to connecting communities left behind by traditional infrastructure. "We take pride in delivering reliable, high-speed connectivity anywhere in the world. Our partnership with Maharashtra reflects our shared vision to empower every citizen through digital access," she said.
Earlier this year, the Department of Telecommunications, Government of India, granted Starlink a Global Mobile Personal Communication by Satellite (GMPCS) license, making the company the third to get such approval after OneWeb and Reliance Jio. With this pact, Maharashtra is positioning itself as a digital frontrunner and setting a new benchmark for how technology can make a difference in the most remote corners of the country.
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Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available reports and official statements. Details are accurate as of publication and may change with new updates.
