Maharashtra Signs Landmark Deal With Starlink to Boost Rural Internet

The Maharashtra government on Wednesday announced it has signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) with Starlink, the satellite internet company led by Elon Musk, to deploy satellite-based internet services across the state. This move makes Maharashtra the first state in India to officially collaborate with the US-based internet provider.

Under this agreement, the state will work with Starlink to deliver reliable internet connectivity to government institutions, rural communities, and key public infrastructure. The project particularly targets remote and underserved districts like Gadchiroli, Nandurbar, Washim, and Dharashiv — areas often left behind in traditional network coverage.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis described the partnership as a “giant leap towards a future-ready Maharashtra,” highlighting how it will support the state’s push for digital inclusion and equitable access to essential services like education and healthcare.

What exactly is the Maharashtra-Starlink partnership about?

The LOI sets the stage for Maharashtra and Starlink to work together in expanding satellite-based broadband to regions where terrestrial or fiber-optic networks cannot easily reach.

The project will provide internet access to:

• Government offices and administrative centers in rural zones.

• Schools, healthcare centers, and gram panchayats in tribal and remote communities.

• Critical public infrastructure including disaster management units and security outposts.

Starlink had already conducted demo runs in Mumbai on October 30 and 31 to demonstrate compliance with technical and security standards required by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT). The partnership will formally proceed after all regulatory and compliance clearances are granted.

Why is this deal significant for Maharashtra’s connectivity goals?

This collaboration is a big step toward bridging the digital divide in Maharashtra. With Starlink’s satellite network, even villages cut off by geography or terrain will be able to access high-speed, low-latency internet.

Here’s why it matters:

• Maharashtra becomes the first state in India to establish a formal partnership with Starlink.
• It will strengthen Digital Maharashtra and support the Digital India vision by connecting aspirational districts.
• Improved internet access will boost education, telemedicine, e-governance, and local entrepreneurship in areas that previously lacked connectivity.
• The initiative will help the state monitor and manage infrastructure more effectively, especially in remote districts.

What’s next for Starlink’s operations in India?

Starlink plans to set up nine gateway earth stations in major cities, including Mumbai, Noida, Chandigarh, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Lucknow. The company has also applied for 600 gigabits per second (Gbps) capacity through its Gen 1 satellite constellation.

Once the regulatory approvals are cleared, Starlink will begin deploying equipment and training local teams to manage ground operations. A working group led by CM Fadnavis will monitor the rollout through 30-, 60-, and 90-day milestones to ensure smooth implementation.

However, the project’s success depends on several factors — including DoT approval, spectrum allocation, and ensuring affordability for public institutions in rural areas.

How does this development impact citizens and exam aspirants?

For general readers and government job aspirants, this development highlights how technology, governance, and public policy come together to drive inclusive growth.

It’s an important example of how a state government is partnering with a global tech company to address last-mile connectivity challenges. Such collaborations often appear in exam topics related to Digital India, infrastructure, e-governance, and rural development.

This initiative could also serve as a blueprint for other states, showing how public-private partnerships can accelerate digital transformation in India.