The entry of Elon Musk’s satellite internet service, Starlink, into India has been a topic of discussion for a long time. Ever since the discussion about Starlink started, everyone has been curious to know which state will get the Starlink service first. The Government of Maharashtra has announced that it has signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) with Starlink. With this partnership, Maharashtra will now be the first state where people can avail of Elon Musk’s Starlink internet service.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis shared a post on his X account detailing the partnership, stating that the Starlink internet service will be used to provide internet to government institutions and improve connectivity in rural areas. He also informed that this service will be started in backward districts like Nandurbar, Gadchiroli, Dharashiv and Washim.
With this decision, Maharashtra will play a leading role in satellite-enabled digital infrastructure in India. This decision is a huge leap towards a future ready Maharashtra and is setting the ground level for the Digital India Mission of Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said the partnership is contingent on Elon Musk’s Starlink receiving compliance clearance from the Department of Telecommunications and necessary regulatory approvals.
What are Starlink’s future plans?
Elon Musk’s Starlink plans to build nine Gateway Earth stations in India. These stations will be set up in major cities like Mumbai, Chandigarh, Noida, Kolkata, Hyderabad and Lucknow. Its objective is to provide high-speed internet service to every corner of the country, especially in rural and remote areas. The arrival of Starlink could usher in a new era of internet access in India.
