Gujarat govt announces partnership with Elon Musk’s Starlink to boost satellite internet in remote areas

The Gujarat government on Monday signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) with Elon Musk-owned Starlink to provide satellite-based internet services in remote and underserved areas of the state.

Announcing the development on the social media platform X, Gujarat chief minister Bhupendra Patel said the agreement is aimed at improving access to high-speed internet in regions where telecom infrastructure is weak or limited. “Happy to share that the Government of Gujarat has exchanged a Letter of Intent with Starlink, a subsidiary of SpaceX, to strengthen digital connectivity across the state,” Patel said in a post on X.

“This LoI will enable high-speed satellite-based internet connectivity in remote, border, tribal and underserved areas with limited telecom infrastructure, accelerating Gujarat’s digital connectivity mission and strategic digital initiatives,” Patel added.

Delivery of public services to improve

The state government said the initiative is expected to improve the delivery of public services, particularly in districts with limited internet access.

“The initiative will ensure reliable digital service delivery in aspirational and tribal districts, strengthen education and healthcare outreach, enhance disaster preparedness and security systems, and improve access to government services for citizens,” Patel said.

He added that a joint working group, comprising officials from the Gujarat government and Starlink, will be formed to ensure smooth implementation of the agreement. “In view of the need for seamless and easy connectivity across the state, a Joint Working Group comprising representatives of the Government of Gujarat and Starlink will be constituted to ensure the effective implementation of this LoI, contributing to the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047,” Patel said.

Similar move in Goa

Last month, the Goa government signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Starlink Satellite Communications Private Limited to collaborate on digital connectivity, disaster response systems, and governance-related services.

Under the agreement, Starlink and state authorities plan to explore satellite broadband deployment in areas with limited terrestrial networks. The initiative may also cover connectivity for select government schools, healthcare centres, and disaster management facilities.

Maharashtra govt’s LoI with Starlink

The Maharashtra government signed the Letter of Intent (LoI) with Starlink Satellite Communications Private Limited on 5 November 2025, making it the first Indian state to formalise a partnership with Starlink for satellite-based internet services. The agreement was announced in Mumbai and aims to bring high-speed connectivity to rural, tribal, and underserved districts, with the rollout expected to begin soon and support India’s broader digital inclusion goals. 

Starlink’s entry into the Indian market

Starlink’s authorised entry into India took place in mid-2025, after it received key regulatory approvals from the Centre. While the company had shown interest and collected pre-orders earlier, it was granted a Unified Licence by the Department of Telecommunications in June 2025, followed by clearance from space regulator IN-SPACe in July 2025, allowing it to operate satellite-based internet services in the country.