Maharashtra signs deal with Elon Musk's Starlink for satellite internet rollout

Mumbai: Maharashtra has signed an agreement with Elon Musk's Starlink to bring satellite-based internet connectivity to remote regions and critical infrastructure, making it the first Indian state to formally collaborate with the US-based satellite firm.

The state government signed a letter of intent (LoI) with Starlink Satellite Communications Pvt Ltd to launch satellite-enabled internet services targeting underserved regions and aspirational districts such as Gadchiroli, Nandurbar, Dharashiv and Washim.

Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, who hosted Starlink vice president Lauren Dreyer in Mumbai to formalise the partnership, made an announcement in this regard.


"It was wonderful to welcome Lauren Dreyer, Vice President, Starlink in Mumbai today, where the Government of Maharashtra signed LoI with Starlink Satellite Communications Private Limited, marking Maharashtra as the first Indian state to formally collaborate with Starlink," Fadnavis said in a X post on Wednesday.

The launch of services is subject to regulatory and compliance approvals from the DoT, he said.

Starlink is one of the largest companies in the information and communication technology industry, holding the largest number of communication satellites in the world, the CM said, describing the partnership as "an honour" for the state.

According to his post, the Starlink deal supports Maharashtra's Digital Maharashtra mission and aligns with other key initiatives such as electric vehicle expansion, coastal development and disaster resilience. "This is a giant leap towards future-ready Maharashtra and setting the benchmark for Hon PM Narendra Modi Ji's Digital India mission at the grassroots," Fadnavis said in his post.