Starlink Launches Satellite Internet in Maharashtra
Elon Musk's Starlink has officially made its entry into India by launching satellite internet services, with Maharashtra being the first state to partner with the company. This collaboration represents a significant move towards enhancing the digital infrastructure of the country. The Maharashtra government announced this partnership through a signed Letter of Intent (LoI), aiming to provide high-speed internet connectivity to government institutions, rural communities, and essential public infrastructure.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis emphasized that the rollout will focus on remote and underserved districts, such as Gadchiroli, Nandurbar, Washim, and Dharashiv. These areas have long struggled with inadequate digital access, which hampers education and healthcare. In a post shared on social media, the Chief Minister's Office highlighted that Starlink's advanced satellite technology will help bridge the digital divide, empowering citizens across Maharashtra.
This partnership marks the first formal collaboration between an Indian state and Starlink, which is a satellite internet initiative under Elon Musk's SpaceX. CM Fadnavis touted this as a "giant leap towards a future-ready Maharashtra," asserting that the state will lead the nation in satellite-enabled digital infrastructure.
Starlink’s services are expected to significantly benefit students, small businesses, and local administrations in rural areas, where traditional broadband options are limited. However, the deployment of the service is contingent upon obtaining the necessary regulatory and compliance clearances from India's Department of Telecommunications (DoT).
Recently, Starlink conducted demo trials in Mumbai to ensure compliance with Indian security and technical standards. The company has also announced plans to establish nine gateway earth stations in major cities like Mumbai, Noida, Chandigarh, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Lucknow.
Once the necessary approvals are in place, Starlink aims to offer satellite broadband speeds of up to 600 Gbps through its Gen 1 constellation. This advancement holds the potential to revolutionize connectivity in some of India's most remote regions, thereby transforming the digital landscape of the country.
