Government of Gujarat signed a landmark Letter of Intent (LoI) with Starlink, the satellite internet subsidiary of Elon Musk’s SpaceX. This agreement aims to deploy high-speed, satellite-based broadband to the state’s most remote, tribal, and border regions where traditional telecom infrastructure is lacking.
The deal was formalized in Gandhinagar in the presence of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Deputy CM Harsh Sanghavi, marking a critical step in Gujarat’s “Digital Connectivity Mission.”
Scope of the Starlink-Gujarat Partnership
The collaboration focuses on a pilot project designed to “bridge the digital divide” in underserved areas, specifically targeting Aspirational Districts like Narmada and Dahod.
Key Connectivity Targets
- Public Services: Linking Common Service Centres (CSCs) and e-Governance facilities to ensure “last-mile” delivery of government services.
- Education & Health: Providing “smart connectivity” to government schools and rapid telemedicine services at Primary Health Centres (PHCs).
- Security & Safety: Strengthening digital networks for coastal police outposts, highway safety systems, and maritime/port operations.
- Disaster Management: Ensuring reliable communication for district disaster management control rooms and wildlife monitoring in sanctuaries.
Implementation Strategy
To move from intent to execution, the state government and Starlink are establishing a Joint Working Group.
| Component | Responsibility / Detail |
| Governance | Joint Working Group of State officials and Starlink representatives. |
| Capacity Building | Joint training programs for government agencies and schools. |
| Industrial Impact | Strengthening connectivity in GIDC industrial parks. |
| Infrastructure | Using Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites to reduce latency in difficult terrains. |
The Broader Context in India
Gujarat follows Maharashtra (November 2025) and Goa (January 2026) as the latest Indian state to formalize a partnership with Starlink.
While these state-level LoIs signal strong political will, the actual commercial rollout remains subject to final regulatory approvals from India’s Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and the Space Regulator (IN-SPACe). However, with the LoI signed, Gujarat is positioned to be an early adopter once the national licensing hurdles are cleared.
“This will prove to be a milestone in expanding the state’s digital services and will further accelerate the progress of e-Governance.” — CM Bhupendra Patel
