Mumbai : In a pioneering move, the Maharashtra government has become the first Indian state to partner with billionaire Elon Musk’s satellite communications venture, Starlink, to provide high-speed satellite-based internet services across remote and underserved regions.
The state government signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) with Starlink Satellite Communications Pvt. Ltd., marking a significant step toward bridging the digital divide in rural and tribal districts such as Gadchiroli, Nandurbar, Washim, and Dharashiv.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced the collaboration on Wednesday, calling it a major milestone under the Digital Maharashtra Mission. He said the partnership would support key government institutions, public infrastructure, and local communities with reliable connectivity.
“It is our honour that the company is arriving in India and partnering with Maharashtra,” Fadnavis said in a post on X, adding that the initiative aligns with the state’s efforts in EV mobility, coastal development, and disaster resilience.
With this landmark collaboration, Maharashtra aims to lead India’s push toward satellite-enabled digital infrastructure, setting a new benchmark for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Digital India initiative at the grassroots level.
