Meghalaya Govt Inks MoU with Starlink to Pilot Satellite Internet in Remote Areas

The Meghalaya Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Starlink to pilot satellite-based communication services in remote parts of the state.  

As per news reports, the agreement, executed through a Letter of Intent, focuses on areas where conventional telecom networks remain limited due to terrain constraints. 

Connectivity Gaps in Difficult Terrain 

Large parts of Meghalaya continue to face weak or no internet access, largely due to its hilly geography and dispersed population.  

Chief Minister Conrad Sangma stated that expanding fibre networks and mobile towers has been both costly and operationally challenging in such regions, leaving several communities disconnected. 

Satellite-based systems are being considered as an alternative, as they do not depend on ground infrastructure such as towers. The proposed pilot will assess whether low-earth orbit satellite networks can provide consistent connectivity across these areas. 

Sectoral Use Cases Identified 

The state plans to deploy the service across public-facing sectors including education, healthcare, agriculture, and disaster management. Limited connectivity has affected service delivery in these areas, particularly in remote districts. 

The government also indicated that the initiative could support broader programmes such as aspirational district development and border communication systems, where reliable networks are necessary but difficult to establish. 

Pilot Phase and Implementation 

The project will begin with a pilot to test performance, coverage and reliability before any wider rollout is considered.  

The agreement was signed by Additional Chief Secretary Sampath Kumar, with Gwynne Shotwell present during the signing. Financial details of the arrangement have not been disclosed. 

Regulatory Status and Infrastructure 

Starlink has received approvals from IN-SPACe, the Department of Telecommunications and Telecom Regulatory Authority of India. However, it is yet to receive satellite spectrum allocation, which is required to begin commercial operations. 

The company must also comply with local data storage requirements and establish ground infrastructure, including around 20 planned earth stations in cities such as Noida, Chennai and Navi Mumbai, some of which are under construction. 

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Conclusion 

The pilot will determine whether satellite broadband can address connectivity gaps in Meghalaya, subject to regulatory clearances and operational feasibility. 

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