Maharashtra is the first Indian state to sign a Letter of Intent with Starlink for statewide satellite broadband rollout.
The initiative targets remote districts like Gadchiroli and Nandurbar to improve access to education, healthcare, and e-governance.
Commercial services may launch in early 2026, with setup costs around Rs 30,000 and monthly plans starting at Rs 3,000.
Elon Musk’s Starlink is one step closer to bringing its satellite-powered broadband to India. In a landmark move, Maharashtra has become the first state to officially partner with the company to roll out its satellite internet services. The state government signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) on Wednesday to deploy satellite-based internet services across the state. By deploying Starlink’s low-earth-orbit (LEO) satellite network, Maharashtra aims to offer digital services in underserved and remote areas, enabling high-speed access to education, healthcare, and government services, particularly in regions where terrestrial networks have struggled to deliver consistent connectivity.
SurveyAccording to PTI, the Maharashtra government’s agreement with Starlink will kickstart the deployment of satellite-based internet across government institutions, public infrastructure, and rural communities. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced that districts such as Gadchiroli, Nandurbar, Washim, and Dharashiv will be prioritised during the initial rollout phase.
The Chief Minister’s Office said in a post on X, “With Starlink’s cutting-edge satellite technology, Maharashtra takes a bold leap forward in bridging the last digital divide, powering education, healthcare, and connectivity in every corner of our state.”
Meanwhile, Starlink has already demonstrated its technology in Mumbai during trial runs held on October 30 and 31, showcasing compliance with Indian security and technical standards. The company reportedly plans to set up nine gateway earth stations in cities such as Mumbai, Noida, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Chandigarh, and Lucknow. Once fully operational, the Gen 1 satellite constellation could deliver aggregate broadband speeds of up to 600 Gbps.
Also read: CES 2026 Innovation Awards announced, LG bags two Best of Innovation honours
Starlink India launch timeline and pricing
Starlink is currently assembling a dedicated team in India and pursuing the remaining regulatory clearances. If approvals proceed smoothly, commercial services are expected to launch in Q1 2026.
Early reports suggest a one-time setup cost of around Rs 30,000, with monthly plans starting at Rs 3,000, varying by speed and usage tiers.
Follow Us
Himani Jha
Himani Jha is a tech news writer at Digit. Passionate about smartphones and consumer technology, she has contributed to leading publications such as Times Network, Gadgets 360, and Hindustan Times Tech for the past five years. When not immersed in gadgets, she enjoys exploring the vibrant culinary scene, discovering new cafes and restaurants, and indulging in her love for fine literature and timeless music. View Full Profile
