Maharashtra Becomes 1st State to Partner with Starlink for Rural Connectivity

Maharashtra has officially become the first Indian state to sign a partnership with Elon Musk’s Starlink for satellite internet, marking a major step in bridging the digital divide across rural and underserved regions. The agreement was formalized on November 5, 2025, through a Letter of Intent (LOI) signed in Mumbai.

Key highlights of the partnership

• Historic first: Maharashtra is the first state in India to partner with Starlink, positioning itself as a pioneer in satellite-based connectivity.
• Digital Maharashtra mission: The collaboration supports the state’s flagship initiative to make the state future-ready by expanding internet access to remote communities.
• High-speed, low-latency internet: Starlink’s satellite technology will deliver fast, reliable internet to areas where traditional telecom infrastructure is limited or absent.
• Focus areas:
  • Rural education: e-learning platforms and school connectivity
  • Telemedicine: remote diagnostics and healthcare access
  • Government services: digital governance and citizen services
  • Disaster resilience: coastal development and emergency connectivity

Who was involved

• Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis: Led the signing ceremony, highlighting transformative potential for state development.
• Lauren Dreyer (Starlink VP): Attended the event in Mumbai, underscoring Starlink’s commitment to India.
• Starlink Satellite Communications Pvt Ltd: The Indian arm that signed the LOI.

Strategic implications

• Complementary to telecom: Meant to fill connectivity gaps rather than replace existing providers.
• Digital inclusion: Expected to reduce the digital divide and enable access to education, e-commerce, and government services.
• Global signal: Indicates India’s openness to next-gen satellite internet solutions and may spur other states to follow.

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Broader context

• Last-mile connectivity: Addresses persistent access challenges in rural and tribal regions.
• LEO constellation: Uses low-Earth orbit satellites to leapfrog infrastructure hurdles and accelerate adoption.
• Alignment with DPI: Complements India’s digital public infrastructure like Aadhaar, UPI, and BharatNet.

Summary

Maharashtra’s deal with Starlink is a landmark move that could redefine rural connectivity in India, serving as a test case for integrating satellite internet with national digital strategies.