Starlink, the satellite internet service under Elon Musk’s SpaceX, has officially begun its operations in India, with Maharashtra becoming the first state to partner with the company.
The state government signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) with Starlink on Thursday to deploy satellite-based internet services, aimed at improving digital access across government institutions, rural communities, and key public infrastructure.
According to Hindustan Times, the initiative will initially focus on remote and underserved districts like Gadchiroli, Nandurbar, Washim, and Dharashiv, where internet connectivity has historically been limited. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis highlighted that the project would help bridge the digital divide, enhancing access to education, healthcare, and public services.
This partnership marks Starlink’s first formal collaboration with an Indian state. Fadnavis referred to the agreement as a “giant leap” toward a digital Maharashtra, emphasizing that the state would lead the country in satellite-powered infrastructure.
The move is expected to benefit students, small businesses, and local governments, particularly in rural areas where traditional broadband services have struggled to reach. However, the rollout of services is contingent on receiving regulatory clearances from India’s Department of Telecommunications (DoT).
Starlink recently conducted demonstration runs in Mumbai in late October to showcase compliance with Indian technical and security standards. The company plans to establish nine gateway earth stations across key cities including Mumbai, Noida, Chandigarh, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Lucknow. Once fully operational, Starlink’s Gen 1 constellation could deliver broadband speeds of up to 600 Gbps, significantly enhancing connectivity in India’s most remote regions.
