Starlink to Launch 90-Day Pilot Project in Maharashtra for Satellite Internet Connectivity
Mumbai, 5th November 2025: In a landmark move toward inclusive digital transformation, the Government of Maharashtra on Wednesday signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) with Starlink Satellite Communications Private Limited, marking Maharashtra as the first Indian state to formally collaborate with Starlink to deploy satellite-based internet connectivity across government institutions, rural communities, and critical public infrastructure. The partnership is subject to Starlink obtaining the necessary regulatory and compliance clearances from the Government of India.
The LOI was signed by Lauren Dreyer, Vice President of Starlink, and Virendra Singh, IAS, Secretary of the Department of Information Technology, Government of Maharashtra, in the presence of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
Under this strategic collaboration, the cutting-edge satellite internet technology will help bridge the connectivity gap in remote and underserved regions of Maharashtra, including tribal schools, primary health centres (PHCs), disaster control rooms, forest outposts, coastal zones, and aspirational districts such as Gadchiroli, Nandurbar, Dharashiv, and Washim.
The initiative also aims to enhance connectivity along key infrastructure corridors such as the Samruddhi Mahamarg, ferries, coastal vessels and ports, and coastal police networks, while enabling smart connectivity solutions for education and telemedicine.
A joint working group will oversee a 90-day pilot rollout, with progress milestones set at 30, 60, and 90 days. The pilot will be reviewed quarterly under the chairmanship of the Chief Minister.
Lauren Dreyer, Vice President, Starlink, said: “We pride ourselves on providing high-speed connectivity to everyone, regardless of their background or location. We are honored to collaborate with the Government of Maharashtra in this first-of-its-kind initiative. Starlink’s mission — which complements other government efforts and service providers — is to connect those left behind by traditional infrastructure. Maharashtra’s vision for inclusive and resilient digital growth perfectly aligns with ours. Together, we aim to demonstrate how satellite internet can empower schools, healthcare facilities, and communities across the most remote corners of India.”
Devendra Fadnavis, Chief Minister of Maharashtra, said: “With Starlink joining hands with Maharashtra, we are bridging the last digital divide — connecting every village, every school, and every health centre, no matter how remote. This partnership reflects our commitment to building a truly connected, future-ready Maharashtra. We are proud to be India’s first state to launch this collaboration and set a benchmark for Digital India at the grassroots.”
The Maharashtra–Starlink collaboration supports the state’s flagship Digital Maharashtra Mission and integrates with its Electric Vehicle (EV), Coastal Development, and Disaster Resilience programs.
Pilot Focus Areas:
Connecting government and tribal schools, Aaple Sarkar centers, and PHCs
Enhancing disaster response communications and coastal surveillance
Supporting education and healthcare through high-speed satellite connectivity
Building local capacity and training programs for government agencies and communities
Once the pilot concludes, the initiative is expected to be scaled across the state, positioning Maharashtra as a national leader in satellite-enabled digital infrastructure.
