Meghalaya partners with Elon Musk's Starlink to boost digital access in remote areas

Meghalaya has moved to strengthen digital connectivity by signing a memorandum of understanding with Starlink, the satellite internet venture owned by Elon Musk. Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said the agreement marks a significant push to expand access in hard-to-reach regions of the state.

Announcing the development on X, Sangma noted that Meghalaya has already undergone a “credible transformation through technology” and expressed optimism that the collaboration would extend connectivity to “the remotest corners” and “make a real difference in people’s lives”.

The Chief Minister highlighted administrative improvements achieved over the past eight years, stating that government processes have been reduced “from 30 days to just 3 days”. Despite these gains, he acknowledged persistent gaps in linking remote schools, health centres and communities.

“Our partnership to introduce advanced satellite connectivity technology marks an important step toward bridging this gap,” Sangma said. He added that the initiative is expected to “help save lives through better healthcare access, improve learning opportunities for students, and enhance livelihoods for farmers and rural communities”.

The government is also positioning Shillong as a regional technology centre. Sangma said efforts are underway to transform the city into a hub for IT and innovation in the Northeast, aimed at generating opportunities for young professionals and building a stronger digital ecosystem.