AHMEDABAD, India (Diya TV) — In a move aimed at closing India’s digital divide, the state government of Gujarat has signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) with Starlink, the satellite internet venture founded by Elon Musk. The announcement was made by state officials in Ahmedabad, highlighting a strategic partnership to extend high-speed internet connectivity into remote and underserved regions across western India.
The agreement with Starlink, a subsidiary of SpaceX, marks a significant step for Gujarat’s digital infrastructure. Satellite-based broadband promises to deliver reliable internet access to areas that are difficult or costly to serve through traditional fiber optics and mobile networks. This includes tribal districts, border regions, and rural communities where connectivity gaps have long hindered access to education, healthcare, e-governance services, and economic opportunities.
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel emphasized the potential for the partnership, noting that the deal will support key public services and infrastructure projects. Discussions are expected to explore how satellite connectivity can enhance digital communication not just for citizens, but also for government institutions and emergency services.
Starlink operates a constellation of low-Earth-orbit (LEO) satellites that beam internet directly to user terminals on the ground, bypassing the need for extensive local telecom infrastructure. This makes it particularly suitable for remote or geographically challenging areas. After receiving regulatory clearances in India in 2025, Starlink has been positioning itself as a complementary broadband provider alongside traditional telcos.
Gujarat’s collaboration with Starlink comes as part of a broader push by Indian states to enhance digital access. Maharashtra, for example, signed a similar agreement with Starlink late in 2025. These partnerships align with national goals of expanding internet coverage nationwide and enabling government-to-citizen digital services in previously offline regions.
A joint working group of state officials and Starlink representatives is expected to be formed to oversee implementation, define rollout phases, and ensure that connectivity goals are met efficiently.
