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India’s Maharashtra state, which includes the financial hub Mumbai, is set to become the first region in the country to introduce Elon Musk’s Starlink internet service, the state’s chief minister confirmed.
Starlink, which delivers high-speed internet to remote areas through low-orbit satellites, has sparked a heated discussion in India over concerns related to pricing practices and spectrum allocation.
India is projected to have more than 900 million internet users by the end of the year and granted Starlink its license in June.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stated on X late Wednesday that Maharashtra is prepared to become the first Indian state to formally work with Starlink. He noted that the collaboration will help the state lead India in satellite-enabled digital infrastructure.
In March, India’s largest telecom companies, Jio Platforms and Bharti Airtel, announced agreements with SpaceX to extend the satellite internet services to their customers.
Starlink’s Vice President of Business Operations, Lauren Dreyer, said she is excited to contribute to India’s digital plans.
She added that she looks forward to connecting schools, medical facilities and other remote communities once Starlink receives its final approvals.
