Maharashtra has become the first Indian state to partner with Elon Musk’s Starlink to bring satellite-based internet connectivity to remote and underserved areas. The state government has signed a Letter of Intent with Starlink Satellite Communications Pvt Ltd as part of its Digital Maharashtra mission.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said this partnership will help deliver reliable connectivity to villages, government institutions, schools, and healthcare centres across the state. Districts like Gadchiroli, Nandurbar, Washim, and Dharashiv will be among the first to benefit. He said Maharashtra is now bridging the last digital divide and creating a connected, future-ready state that can inspire other regions in India.
The Chief Minister’s Office posted on X that Starlink will bring high-speed satellite internet to every remote village, tribal school, and health centre in Maharashtra. The rollout will begin after necessary regulatory approvals from the Department of Telecommunications.
The project will start with a 90-day pilot phase managed by a joint working group. The progress will be reviewed every 30, 60, and 90 days under the Chief Minister’s leadership. The focus will be on tribal schools, Aaple Sarkar centres, primary health units, forest outposts, coastal police networks, and disaster control centres. The network will also support connectivity along key infrastructure routes like the Samruddhi Mahamarg and coastal development zones.
Lauren Dreyer, Vice President of Starlink, said the company’s goal is to provide high-speed connectivity wherever people are. She called it a first-of-its-kind initiative that goes beyond the limits of traditional networks. Starlink, which is operated by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, already runs the world’s largest network of low-Earth orbit satellites and uses reusable rockets to maintain and expand its system.
This partnership also aligns with the state’s other development plans, including Digital Maharashtra, EV development, coastal development, and disaster resilience. The project is expected to improve education through online learning, enhance telemedicine services, and strengthen communication during natural disasters.
