New Delhi, April 1 Starlink, led by Elon Musk, has partnered with the Meghalaya government to explore the possibility of providing high-speed internet connectivity through satellite technology in the state, the company said on Wednesday.
Starlink has received a letter of intent from the Centre to start satellite communication services in the country, but it has yet to meet the criteria required for the license.
"A Letter of Intent (LoI) was signed today between the Government of Meghalaya and Starlink India. This collaboration aims to explore the possibilities of providing high-speed internet connectivity through the much-anticipated satellite-based technology offered by Starlink," Starlink said in a statement.
The LoI was signed in the presence of Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma.
Senior representatives from Starlink, including Gwynne Shotwell, President and COO, SpaceX, Lauren Dreyer, Vice President Starlink Business Operations, Prabhakar Jayakumar, Country Head, Starlink India, among others, attended the event.
"Through this collaboration, the government will pilot Starlink's satellite-based high-speed internet connectivity in the state. This marks a significant step towards ensuring that the benefits of digital technology reach every corner of the state," the statement said.
The pilot will begin after Starlink obtains spectrum to roll out services in the country.
According to the statement, Sangma expressed optimism that the collaboration with Starlink would pave the way for new development and enhance digital connectivity to support key sectors such as education, healthcare, aspirational district inclusion, security, disaster management, and economic development in the state.
Shotwell acknowledged Meghalaya's role in advancing the state through the use of technology, the statement added.