Here's something worth paying attention to: Maharashtra has just become the first Indian state to officially partner with Elon Musk's Starlink for satellite-based internet services.

The announcement
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis revealed the news on X (formerly Twitter) this Wednesday, confirming the state government has signed a letter of intent with Starlink Satellite Communications Private Limited – the company's Indian operation.
"It's great to see Lauren Dreyer, VP at Starlink, visiting Mumbai today," Fadnavis shared. He mentioned that this deal would bring Maharashtra to the forefront of India's satellite-based digital infrastructure. A bold statement, but the truth is, the possibility is really there.

Who gets the advantage?

The cooperation focuses on regions left behind in India's digital revolution – the remote and underserved areas where the traditional internet infrastructure has had a tough time getting to. More specifically, districts like Gadchiroli, Nandurbar, Dharashiv, and Washim are the targets, namely the areas where people have to deal with unreliable internet connections for long periods.

The project calls for connecting government agencies, rural neighborhoods, and main public facilities to satellite internet with high-speed. This is the type of connectivity that can really make a difference in the access to education, medical care, and government services in the locations mentioned above.

The legal challenge

However, there's a significant proviso: the cooperation is still subject to the Department of Telecommunications' clearance. So while the intent is signed, the actual rollout depends on getting the regulatory green light from the central government.
Why Starlink matters
For those who don't know, Starlink is a segment of Elon Musk's SpaceX empire and runs the biggest network of communication satellites in the world. This partnership represents the company's official entrance into the Indian market through a collaboration with the state, a great victory not only for Starlink but also for the country's digital infrastructure dreams.

The broader picture
In the words of Fadnavis, this is not merely the matter of establishing internet connectivity. The undertaking is in line with the Digital Maharashtra mission of the state government and will facilitate the aforementioned sectors of electric mobility, coastal development, and disaster resilience besides others. The use of satellite-based internet may be critical during calamities when the normal power and communication infrastructure gets cut off.

"Fadnavis said, "the Company's arrival in India and partnership with Maharashtra is an important step in realizing Prime Minister Narendra Modi Ji's Digital India vision at the grassroots," thus tying the state initiative to the national digital agenda.

What this means going forward
The real test will be execution. If successful, this initiative could dramatically improve digital inclusion in areas where fibre optic cables and mobile towers simply aren't economically viable. Other states will undoubtedly be watching closely – Maharashtra might be setting a template for how satellite-based broadband can bridge India's persistent digital divide.

It is a positive step forward if, however, the regulatory approvals are granted and the implementation lives up to the goal. For the communities located in the distant districts of Maharashtra who have been waiting for long to have internet connection, this collaboration might bring the connectivity which has already become a necessity in present-day India.