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Maharashtra will be the first Indian state to deploy satellite internet services from Elon Musk’s Starlink after the partnership was announced by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday, November 5.
The state government hosted Starlink Vice President Lauren Dreyer for the signing of the Letter of Intent (LOI), which formally makes Maharashtra the first state to collaborate and deploy satellite-based internet services.
The partnership, which will help promote the state’s flagship Digital Maharashtra Mission, is subject to Starlink’s regulatory and compliance clearance from the Department of Telecommunications.
Starlink services will be deployed to government institutions, rural communities and critical public infrastructure in remote and underserved areas and aspirational districts like Gadchiroli, Nandurbar, Dharashiv and Washim in Maharashtra.
Chief Minister social media platform
The collaboration will also support the state’s electric vehicles, coastal development and disaster resilience initiatives.
Fadnavis highlighted that the move is a major step towards building satellite-enabled digital infrastructure, making Maharashtra a leader in pursuing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Digital India vision.
He wrote, “With this historic decision, Maharashtra will lead India in satellite-enabled digital infrastructure. This is a huge leap towards a future-ready Maharashtra and setting the groundwork for Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi Ji’s Digital India Mission.”
Gearing itself up for launch in the country, Starlink last week launched its first round of hiring in India with plans to hold a technology and security demonstration in Mumbai. It has also leased its first office space in India in the Chandivali area of Mumbai.