Gujarat Government and Starlink Sign Letter of Intent (LoI) for High-Speed Internet Connectivity

Key facts

• The Gujarat Government signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) with Starlink Satellite Communications Private Limited (Starlink), a subsidiary of SpaceX, to enhance digital connectivity in remote and underserved areas.
• The LoI was exchanged in Gandhinagar by Industries Commissioner P. Swaroop and Head of Starlink India Prabhakar Jayakumar in the presence of Chief Minister (CM) Bhupendra Patel.
• The initiative aims to provide high-speed satellite-based internet in remote, border, and tribal areas, specifically targeting Aspirational Districts such as Narmada and Dahod.
• A pilot project under the agreement plans to connect Common Service Centres (CSCs), e-Governance facilities, government schools, district disaster management control rooms, ports, and wildlife sanctuary areas.
• The LoI covers strengthening connectivity in Gujarat Industrial Development Corporation (GIDC) industrial parks, highway safety systems, maritime operations, and coastal police activities.
• The partnership will facilitate smart connectivity for education in state schools and tele-medicine services at Primary Health Centres (PHCs).
• A joint working group consisting of Starlink and state government officials will be formed to ensure the effective implementation of the LoI.