Maharashtra has become the first Indian state to sign an agreement with Elon Musk’s Starlink to provide satellite-based internet connectivity across remote and underserved regions.
The state government announced that it has signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) with Starlink Satellite Communications Pvt Ltd, marking a formal collaboration to expand satellite broadband under the Digital Maharashtra mission.
State-wide satellite connectivity initiative
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said the partnership aims to deliver reliable connectivity to rural communities, government institutions, schools, and healthcare centers, including aspirational districts such as Gadchiroli, Nandurbar, Washim, and Dharashiv.
He described Maharashtra as “bridging the last digital divide” and building a “connected, future-ready state,” setting a model for digital inclusion across India.
The Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) posted on X (formerly Twitter) that
Starlink reaches Maharashtra — History created! Starlink is set to bring high-speed satellite internet to every remote village, tribal school, and health centre in the state.
The post added that the rollout will proceed subject to Starlink’s regulatory and compliance clearances from the Department of Telecommunications, Government of India.
Focus on rural and critical infrastructure
The collaboration will enable satellite internet access for tribal schools, Aaple Sarkar centres, primary health centers, forest outposts, coastal police networks, and disaster control centres. It will also enhance connectivity along major infrastructure corridors such as the Samruddhi Mahamarg and coastal development zones.
A joint working group will manage a 90-day pilot rollout, with progress reviewed every 30, 60, and 90 days under the Chief Minister’s chairmanship.
Starlink’s role and capabilities
Lauren Dreyer, Vice President of Starlink, said the company is committed to providing “high-speed connectivity wherever people are” and described this as a “first-of-its-kind initiative” aimed at extending internet access beyond the reach of traditional networks.
Starlink, operated by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, runs the world’s largest network of low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites and uses an orbit-class reusable rocket system to maintain and expand its constellation.
Alignment with state development programs
The Maharashtra–Starlink collaboration supports state initiatives such as Digital Maharashtra, EV Development, Coastal Development, and Disaster Resilience. The pilot will demonstrate the role of satellite internet in education, telemedicine, surveillance, and emergency communication across remote and difficult terrains.