Breaking News

Maharashtra becomes first Indian state to partner with Starlink for satellite internet

Maharashtra has emerged as the first Indian state to formally partner with Elon Musk-owned Starlink, marking a significant step toward expanding satellite-based internet connectivity across remote and underserved regions of the state. The Government of Maharashtra has signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) with Starlink Satellite Communications Pvt Ltd to deploy high-speed satellite broadband for government institutions, rural communities, and critical public infrastructure.

The agreement was signed in Mumbai during a meeting with Lauren Dreyer, Vice President at Starlink, and state officials. Maharashtra, which spans nearly 300,000 square kilometres and includes India’s financial capital Mumbai, will serve as Starlink’s first state-level government partner in the country.

Boost to Digital Maharashtra Mission

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis described the partnership as a landmark development for the state’s digital ambitions. He said the collaboration would help bridge the connectivity gap in aspirational and hard-to-reach districts such as Gadchiroli, Nandurbar, Dharashiv, and Washim, where traditional terrestrial networks have struggled to provide reliable coverage.

Starlink operates one of the world’s largest low-Earth orbit satellite constellations, enabling high-speed, low-latency internet access even in geographically challenging areas. The state government believes the technology will play a crucial role in strengthening digital access for education, healthcare, governance, and emergency services in rural and tribal regions.

Enabling Infrastructure and Public Services

According to the state government, the Maharashtra–Starlink partnership aligns closely with the state’s flagship Digital Maharashtra mission and complements other priority initiatives, including electric vehicle adoption, coastal development, and disaster resilience planning. Satellite connectivity is expected to enhance real-time communication during natural disasters and improve coordination across public agencies.

Officials said the deployment will focus on government facilities, public institutions, and community-level infrastructure, helping accelerate digital inclusion at the grassroots level. The move also positions Maharashtra as a frontrunner in adopting next-generation satellite-enabled digital infrastructure in India.

The agreement is being viewed as a strategic signal of India’s growing openness to satellite broadband solutions, particularly as demand for reliable internet access continues to rise in rural and semi-urban areas. While broader regulatory approvals will continue to shape Starlink’s nationwide rollout, the Maharashtra partnership provides the company with an important early foothold in the Indian market.

State leaders said the initiative supports the broader vision of the Digital India mission, aiming to ensure that high-quality internet access reaches even the most remote corners of the country.