Shillong, April 2 (APAC Media): The Meghalaya government has signed an agreement to test satellite internet services in remote regions. The state has partnered with Starlink, the satellite communications company led by Elon Musk, to pilot satellite-based broadband connectivity in areas where conventional internet infrastructure remains limited.
Under the memorandum of understanding (MoU), the Meghalaya government plans to deploy satellite communication services across sectors such as healthcare, education, and agriculture. Officials said the pilot phase will evaluate whether satellite connectivity can deliver reliable high-speed internet to geographically difficult locations before any large-scale rollout is considered.
Chief Minister Conrad Sangma stated that improving digital access in remote areas remains a key challenge, particularly in connecting schools, health centres, and rural communities. The state has also been working to position Shillong as a technology-focused centre in the North-East, with digital infrastructure development identified as a priority for supporting public services and local economic activity.
The pilot comes at a time when several Indian states are exploring satellite-based internet solutions to address connectivity gaps.
Maharashtra and Gujarat have recently signed similar agreements with Starlink to assess the feasibility of satellite broadband in underserved regions. These initiatives reflect a broader push to supplement terrestrial networks with satellite-based connectivity, especially in hilly and sparsely populated areas where fibre deployment is often costly and slow.
Starlink has already secured regulatory clearance from the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) to begin preparations for operations in India. The company also received approvals from the Department of Telecommunications and the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India in 2025. However, commercial rollout of services has not yet started, as satellite spectrum allocation remains pending.
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