Maharashtra has become the first Indian state to partner with Elon Musk's Starlink for satellite-based internet services. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced this significant collaboration on social media, highlighting the potential for improved digital connectivity in the state. The partnership was formalized through a Letter of Intent (LOI) signed by Lauren Dreyer, Vice President of Starlink, and Virendra Singh, Secretary of the Department of Information Technology, in the presence of Fadnavis.

Under this agreement, Starlink will provide satellite internet services to government institutions, rural communities, and critical public infrastructure in remote and underserved areas, including districts like Gadchiroli, Nandurbar, Dharashiv, and Washim. This initiative aligns with the state’s Digital Maharashtra mission, aimed at enhancing digital access in regions with limited connectivity.

Fadnavis expressed pride in welcoming Starlink to India, stating, "Elon Musk's Starlink is one of the largest companies in the ICT industry holding the largest number of communication satellites in the world. It is our honour that the company is arriving in India and partnering with Maharashtra." He emphasized that this collaboration represents a significant step towards a future-ready Maharashtra and supports Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Digital India mission.

Earlier this year, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) granted Starlink a Global Mobile Personal Communication by Satellite (GMPCS) licence, making it the third satellite communication company to receive this approval in India, following Eutelsat's OneWeb and Reliance Jio. Starlink plans to establish nine gateway stations across India, including locations in Mumbai, Noida, and Lucknow, to facilitate its services.

Dreyer praised the partnership, stating, "We pride ourselves in providing high-speed connectivity whatever their background and wherever people are. We are therefore honored to collaborate with the Government of Maharashtra in this first-of-its-kind initiative." This collaboration is expected to significantly enhance digital infrastructure in Maharashtra, setting a benchmark for similar initiatives across the country.