Maharashtra became the first Indian state to sign a satellite internet agreement with SpaceX's Starlink in November 2025, aiming to connect remote schools, health centers, and rural institutions with high-speed broadband through Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites orbiting at approximately 550 km.

The agreement is significant for bridging India's digital divide. While urban India has 80%+ internet penetration, rural penetration remains below 40%. Starlink's constellation of 7,000+ LEO satellites can provide speeds of 100-200 Mbps even in remote terrain. The deal could set a precedent for other states including Rajasthan, where desert and hilly regions face persistent connectivity challenges.