Maharashtra on Wednesday became the first Indian state to formally collaborate with billionaire Elon Musk-owned Starlink to deliver satellite-based internet connectivity across remote and underserved regions.
The Maharashtra government signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) with Starlink Satellite Communications Private Limited, to provide satellite-based internet services for government institutions, rural communities and critical public infrastructure. This will be subject to Starlink’s regulatory and compliance clearances from the Government of India.
The LOI was signed by Lauren Dreyer, vice-president, Starlink, and Virendra Singh, secretary, Department of Information Technology, Government of Maharashtra, in the presence of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Starlink is owned by Musk, who founded Space X and is its CEO.
Fadnavis said, “With Starlink joining hands with Maharashtra, we are bridging the last digital divide connecting every village, every school, and every health centre, no matter how remote. This partnership reflects our commitment to build a truly connected, future-ready Maharashtra. We are proud to be India’s first state to launch this collaboration and set the benchmark for Digital India at the grassroots.”
Starlink is the world’s most advanced satellite constellation in low-Earth orbit, delivering reliable broadband internet capable of supporting streaming, online gaming, video calls, and more. As the world’s leading provider of launch services, and the only provider with an orbital class reusable rocket – SpaceX has deep experience with both spacecraft and on-orbit operations.
Under this collaboration, the technology will enable the Government of Maharashtra and Starlink to work together to connect remote and underserved regions of the state, including tribal schools, primary health centres, disaster control rooms, forest outposts, coastal zones, and aspirational districts such as Gadchiroli, Nandurbar, Dharashiv, and Washim.
The initiative also aims to power connectivity along key infrastructure corridors such as the Samruddhi Mahamarg, ferries and coastal vehicles and ports, and coastal police networks, in addition to providing smart connectivity for education and telemedicine.
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A joint working group will oversee the 90-day pilot rollout, with specific milestones at 30, 60, and 90 days. The pilot will be reviewed quarterly under the Chairmanship of the Chief Minister.
Lauren Dreyer, vice-president, Starlink said, “We pride ourselves in providing high speed connectivity whatever their background and wherever people are. We are, therefore, honored to collaborate with the Government of Maharashtra in this first-of-its-kind initiative. Starlink’s mission, which is complementary to other government initiatives and providers, is to connect those who have been left behind by traditional infrastructure.
Maharashtra’s vision for inclusive and resilient digital growth perfectly aligns with ours. Together, we aim to demonstrate how satellite internet can empower schools, healthcare facilities, and communities across the most remote corners of India.”
The Maharashtra–Starlink collaboration supports the state’s flagship Digital Maharashtra mission and integrates with its EV, Coastal Development, and Disaster Resilience programs.
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The pilot phase will focus on connecting government and tribal schools, Aaple Sarkar centres and PHCs; enhancing disaster response communications and coastal surveillance; supporting education and healthcare delivery through high-speed satellite connectivity; building local capacity and training programmes for state agencies and communities.
