Shillong, April 1: In a major push to strengthen digital infrastructure, the Meghalaya government on Wednesday signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) with Starlink to expand high-speed internet access across remote and underserved regions of the state.
Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma witnessed the signing ceremony via video conference, describing the partnership as a “transformative step” towards inclusive growth and improved service delivery.
The collaboration is part of Meghalaya’s broader ambition to build a $10 billion economy by 2028, with digital connectivity identified as a key driver for economic expansion, governance, and social development.
Senior officials present included Education Minister Lahkmen Rymbui and Additional Chief Secretary Sampath Kumar. From the global side, top executives of SpaceX, including President and COO Gwynne Shotwell, joined the event virtually.
Highlighting persistent infrastructure challenges, Sangma said extending fibre networks to remote villages, schools, and healthcare centres remains time-consuming due to Meghalaya’s difficult terrain. Satellite-based broadband, he noted, offers a faster and more scalable alternative.
“Our immediate goal is to take this technology to the most remote and underserved areas and begin implementation at the earliest,” the Chief Minister said.
The state expects the partnership to significantly improve access to essential services. Reliable internet connectivity could enable telemedicine in remote areas, improve digital learning outcomes, and support farmers and rural entrepreneurs through better market access and digital tools.
Officials said the initiative will also strengthen disaster management systems and enhance governance by improving real-time communication in hard-to-reach locations.
Sangma reiterated the government’s vision to position Shillong as a regional IT and IT-enabled services hub, with plans for data centres, innovation ecosystems, and emerging technologies like artificial intelligence.
“While we may have started later than others, we see this as an opportunity to leapfrog using cutting-edge technologies,” he said.
Speaking on the occasion, Shotwell said the partnership aligns with Starlink’s global mission to connect underserved communities.
“Meghalaya has demonstrated remarkable leadership in using technology for equitable growth. This collaboration will help deliver reliable connectivity even in the most challenging terrains,” she said.
With its hilly geography and scattered habitations, Meghalaya has long struggled with expanding conventional telecom infrastructure. Officials said satellite internet could provide a practical solution, bypassing the limitations of fibre networks and mobile towers.
The partnership is expected to open up new opportunities in entrepreneurship, skill development, and digital inclusion, while accelerating service delivery across key sectors.
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