The partnership to Bring High-Speed Satellite Internet to Tribal and Remote Regions.
In a major push to bridge the digital divide, the Government of Gujarat has partnered with Elon Musk-owned Starlink (SpaceX) to pilot high-speed satellite internet connectivity across the state’s remote, border, and tribal areas.
The state government signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) with Starlink on February 9, marking a significant step toward expanding digital infrastructure, e-governance, and last-mile connectivity. The LoI was exchanged in Gandhinagar in the presence of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi, following an initial meeting with Starlink Operations SpaceX Vice President Lauren Dreyer in December 2025.
Under the pilot programme, Starlink’s satellite-based broadband will be deployed to connect:
- Common Service Centres (CSCs) and e-Governance facilities
- Government schools and tele-medicine centres
- Primary Health Centres (PHCs)
- District disaster management control rooms
- Ports, coastal areas, and wildlife sanctuaries
“This initiative will prove to be a milestone in expanding digital services and accelerating Gujarat’s e-Governance journey,” said Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel.
Focus on Tribal Districts and Aspirational Regions
The rollout will prioritise tribal and underserved regions, including Aspirational Districts such as Narmada and Dahod, while also strengthening connectivity for police outposts, disaster response units, wildlife monitoring systems, and agricultural research centres.
By enabling reliable high-speed internet in difficult terrains, the initiative aims to improve access to education, healthcare, public services, and emergency response systems.
Training, Capacity Building, and Digital Readiness
As part of the collaboration, smart connectivity will be extended to government schools and telemedicine hubs to ensure faster access to learning and healthcare services. The programme also includes joint training and capacity-building initiatives for government agencies, schools, and disaster response teams to maximise the impact of satellite connectivity.
To oversee execution, a Joint Working Group comprising officials from the Gujarat government and Starlink will be set up to ensure seamless deployment and modern digital infrastructure across the state.
The LoI also outlines plans to enhance connectivity across:
- GIDC industrial estates
- Highway safety and surveillance systems
- Maritime and port operations
- Coastal police units
With this move, Gujarat becomes one of the first Indian states to actively pilot Starlink satellite internet for governance and public services—positioning itself at the forefront of digital inclusion and next-generation connectivity in India.
