- Elon Musk's Starlink signed LoI with Gujarat to provide satellite internet connectivity
- The pilot project targets remote, border, and underserved areas with limited telecom access
- Digital inclusion efforts will focus on tribal districts like Narmada and Dahod
Elon Musk's satellite internet firm, Starlink, is set to enter India's western-most state of Gujarat. The company, which is a subsidiary of SpaceX, has signed a letter of intent with the Gujarat government, according to a release issued on Monday.
The letter of intent exchange ceremony was held in Gandhinagar in the presence of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi. As per the LoI, high-speed satellite-based internet connectivity will be made available in remote, border, and underserved areas facing limited telecom facilities and network challenges.
The pilot project incorporates plans to connect Common Service Centres (CSCs), e-Governance facilities, government schools, district disaster management control rooms, ports, and wildlife sanctuary areas, according to a release.
Aspirational tribal districts such as Narmada and Dahod will become major beneficiaries in terms of digital inclusion as part of the LoI. With its implementation, reliable digital service delivery will be ensured in these districts, along with enhanced security and stability through strong connectivity for police outposts, disaster management centres, wildlife monitoring, and agricultural research centres.
Under the project, smart connectivity for education in state schools, as well as easy and rapid availability of healthcare and tele-medicine services at Primary Health Centres (PHCs), will be made available.
A Joint Working Group comprising representatives of the state government and Starlink will be formed for effective implementation of this LoI, the release added.
Further, the LoI is also aimed at strengthening connectivity in GIDC industrial parks, highway safety systems, maritime and port connectivity, and coastal police operations across the state.
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