The Government of Meghalaya has signed a Letter of Intent with Starlink to explore the deployment of satellite-based internet connectivity across remote and hard-to-reach parts of the state. The agreement was formalised on April 1, 2026, marking an early step toward testing Starlink’s services in one of India’s most geographically challenging regions.
The signing took place in the presence of Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, along with senior state officials and representatives from Starlink. The initiative will focus on evaluating the feasibility of delivering high-speed internet using low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite technology, particularly in areas where traditional infrastructure has struggled.
Starlink India collaboration aims to improve digital access across education and healthcare
According to the state government, Meghalaya’s terrain has historically posed challenges for consistent internet connectivity, impacting access to essential services such as education and healthcare. The pilot project aims to address these gaps by testing satellite-based connectivity in select regions before any broader rollout is considered.
Senior officials from both sides highlighted the potential of the collaboration to improve digital access and enable better service delivery. While Starlink representatives acknowledged the state’s efforts to adopt new technologies, the government emphasised that the pilot would help determine whether such solutions can be scaled effectively across similar regions.
At this stage, the agreement is exploratory in nature. The Letter of Intent outlines plans to conduct pilot deployments rather than confirming a commercial launch or timeline. Details around pricing, availability, and a wider rollout have not been disclosed yet.
If successful, the pilot could serve as a reference point for deploying satellite internet in other parts of India with difficult terrain, potentially expanding connectivity options beyond traditional broadband infrastructure.
