Mumbai | November 6, 2025 — In a landmark move to bridge the state’s digital divide, the Maharashtra government has partnered with Elon Musk’s Starlink to roll out satellite-based internet connectivity across thousands of villages and underserved regions.
The agreement, signed on Thursday between the Department of Information Technology, Government of Maharashtra, and Starlink India, aims to provide high-speed broadband access to rural schools, healthcare centers, and local administrative offices within the next 12 months.
“Our goal is to make every citizen digitally empowered — no matter how remote their village is,” said Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, announcing the collaboration. “This partnership with Starlink is a leap forward for inclusive governance and education.”
High-Speed Internet Beyond Fiber Limits
Starlink, operated by SpaceX, uses a network of low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites to deliver broadband internet, particularly to areas where traditional fiber connectivity is impractical. The Maharashtra rollout is expected to cover over 7,000 gram panchayats in its first phase, focusing on tribal belts in Gadchiroli, Chandrapur, Palghar, and Nandurbar districts.
According to officials, the state will subsidize the installation of Starlink terminals under the MahaNet Phase-II program, while Starlink will handle service delivery and maintenance.
“This is the first time a state government has adopted LEO satellite technology for mass-scale rural internet deployment,” said Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister and IT Minister. “It aligns perfectly with the Prime Minister’s vision of a connected Bharat.”
Starlink’s Growing India Footprint
The deal represents Starlink’s largest state-level partnership in India to date. The company, which re-entered the Indian market earlier this year after securing regulatory approvals, plans to establish three ground stations in Pune, Nagpur, and Nashik to support the network.
A Starlink spokesperson said the project demonstrates the company’s commitment to helping India achieve universal internet access.
“Maharashtra is setting a global example in leveraging satellite broadband for social and economic inclusion,” the spokesperson noted. “We’re excited to partner with the state to connect the unconnected.”
Transforming Rural Governance and Education
Officials say the initiative will directly benefit over 20 million residents, enabling faster delivery of e-governance services, telemedicine, online learning, and digital banking.
Rural schools will gain access to real-time educational content, while primary health centers will be able to conduct remote consultations with specialists in urban hospitals.
“For rural women and youth, this will open up new pathways to education, entrepreneurship, and employment,” said Dr. Roshni Patil, Director of the Maharashtra e-Governance Mission.
Experts See Model for Other States
Telecom analysts have called the Maharashtra-Starlink partnership a potential template for other Indian states, especially those with difficult terrain and poor terrestrial connectivity.
“This move could redefine India’s rural internet strategy,” said Rajiv Sharma, telecom analyst at HSBC India. “If successful, it could accelerate the adoption of LEO networks nationwide and reduce the digital gap by years.”
The Road Ahead
Phase one of the rollout is expected to begin in January 2026, with pilot installations already underway in Gadchiroli and Wardha. The project’s second phase will expand Starlink coverage to agricultural cooperatives, small industries, and tourism zones.
The Maharashtra government said the partnership will be monitored through a state-level digital inclusion task force, ensuring quality, affordability, and compliance with India’s data localization norms.
