Starlink collaborates with Meghalaya for providing satellite-based digital connectivity

NEW DELHI, Apr 1 : Elon Musk-led Starlink has collaborated with the Meghalaya government to explore possibilities to provide satellite-based high-speed internet connectivity in the state, the company said on Wednesday.

Starlink has received a letter of intent from the Centre for starting satcom services in the country but it is yet to fulfil the criteria required for the licence.

“A Letter of Intent (LoI) was signed today between the Government of Meghalaya and Starlink India. This collaboration seeks to explore the possibilities of providing high speed internet connectivity through the much-awaited 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 amongst others attended the event.

“Through this collaboration, the government will pilot Starlink satellite-based high-speed internet connectivity in the state. This marks a bold step towards ensuring that the benefits of digital technology reaches every nook and corner of the state,” the statement said.

The pilot will start after Starlink gets spectrum for rolling out services in the country.

According to the statement, Sangma expressed optimism that the collaboration with Starlink will usher in a new pathway for development and enhance digital connectivity to support key sectors such as education, healthcare, aspirational district inclusion, security and disaster management and economic development in the state.

Shotwell acknowledged Meghalaya’s involvement in taking the state forward through the use of technology, the statement added. (PTI)