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Maharashtra has taken a historic step towards starting satellite based internet connectivity in collaboration with Starlink. Under this partnership, schools, health centers and security networks will be connected in the inaccessible districts and coastal areas of the state. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, it has become the first state in India to open the way for digital connectivity through satellite technology.
New DelhiMaharashtra has taken a big step towards digital connectivity. The state government has entered into a formal agreement with Starlink to provide satellite-based high-speed internet to the most remote and backward areas of the state. With this move, Maharashtra becomes the first state in India to officially partner with Starlink.
The agreement was signed in Mumbai where Starlink Vice President Lauren Dreyer and Virendra Singh, Secretary, Information Technology Department, Government of Maharashtra, signed the Letter of Intent (LOI). Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis was also present on this occasion. This agreement will come into effect after Starlink gets regulatory approval in India.
Internet will reach villages and remote areas
Under this project, the state government and Starlink will jointly connect tribal schools, primary health centers, disaster control rooms, forest posts and coastal areas through satellite internet. This also includes aspirational districts like Gadchiroli, Nandurbar, Dharashiv and Washim where traditional internet networks are difficult to reach. This network will not be limited to villages only. The government is planning to extend it to Samruddhi Highway, ferry and coastal vehicles, ports, and coastal police network. This satellite network will also be used for education and telemedicine so that far-flung schools and clinics can be connected digitally.
90 day pilot, Chief Minister will monitor
This partnership will start with a 90-day pilot project. For this, a joint working group has been formed which will review the progress of the work on fixed milestones of 30, 60 and 90 days. This pilot project will be directly monitored under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis himself.
What did Starlink and the government say?
Lauren Dreyer said, “Our mission is that every person, no matter where they live, can access high-speed internet. This partnership with Maharashtra is a historic step towards digital equality in India. It will give new strength to education, health and community development.” Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said, “This partnership with Starlink is the real beginning of our vision of ‘Connected Maharashtra’. Now no village, school or health center will be left behind. We are proud to be the first state in India to start this initiative.”
