Government of Gujarat signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) with Starlink, a subsidiary of SpaceX, on 9 February 2026 in Gandhinagar. The agreement aims to bring high-speed satellite internet to remote, tribal, and underserved regions of the state. Aligned with Digital India and Viksit Bharat 2047, the initiative seeks to strengthen e-governance, healthcare, education, and disaster response through reliable digital connectivity.
Gujarat-Starlink Agreement: What Is the Deal
- Under the leadership of Bhupendra Patel, Gujarat entered into a cooperation framework with Starlink Satellite Communications.
- The LoI focuses on deploying satellite-based broadband connectivity where traditional telecom networks are weak or unavailable.
- This partnership is an outcome of preliminary discussions held in December 2025 between state leaders and Starlink’s global leadership.
Digital India Vision and Statewide Connectivity
- The initiative aligns with Narendra Modi’s Digital India Vision, which emphasizes technology-driven governance and inclusive growth.
- By using satellite internet, Gujarat aims to overcome geographical barriers and ensure that governance, public services, and digital platforms reach the last mile, including border and interior tribal regions.
Pilot Projects in Tribal and Aspirational Districts
- As part of the pilot phase, Starlink connectivity will be extended to tribal and Aspirational Districts such as Narmada and Dahod.
- These regions face persistent connectivity challenges.
- The project will enable Common Service Centres (CSCs) and e-governance facilities to function efficiently, ensuring faster access to government schemes, certificates, and welfare services for citizens.
Boost to Healthcare, Education, and Tele-Medicine
- A key component of the Gujarat-Starlink initiative is smart connectivity for Primary Health Centres (PHCs), government schools, and tele-medicine centres.
- High-speed internet will support remote consultations, digital classrooms, real-time data sharing, and emergency healthcare services, particularly in rural and tribal belts where access is limited.
Support for Disaster Management and Security
- The LoI also covers connectivity for district disaster management control rooms, police outposts, ports, and wildlife sanctuaries.
- Reliable satellite communication will strengthen early warning systems, emergency coordination, coastal security, wildlife monitoring, and highway safety systems.
- This makes the initiative critical not only for development but also for resilience and internal security.
Industrial, Port and Infrastructure Connectivity
- Beyond social sectors, the agreement includes improving digital connectivity in GIDC industrial parks, ports, maritime operations, and coastal police units.
- This will enhance industrial efficiency, logistics, safety, and monitoring, supporting Gujarat’s position as a leading manufacturing and investment destination.
Question
Q. Gujarat signed a Letter of Intent for digital connectivity with which company?
A. Amazon Kuiper
B. OneWeb
C. Starlink
D. HughesNet
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