Meghalaya signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Starlink India on Wednesday, April 1, to introduce an advanced satellite connectivity technology in the state.
Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma took to X to share that he witnessed the "MoU Signing between Government of Meghalaya and Starlink India."
Sangma said, "Over the past 8 years, we have strengthened infrastructure, embraced technology, and improved governance, reducing processes that once took 30 days to just 3 days. Yet, connecting our remotest schools, health centres, and communities remains a challenge."
"Our partnership to introduce advanced satellite connectivity technology marks an important step toward bridging this gap. This initiative will help save lives through better healthcare access, improve learning opportunities for students, and enhance livelihoods for farmers and rural communities," Sangma added.
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He also shared the government's vision of transforming Shillong into a hub for IT and technology in the Northeast - "creating opportunities for our talented youth and building a strong digital ecosystem for the future."
"Meghalaya has seen credible transformation through technology and we are hopeful that this collaboration will help us reach the remotest corners of our state and make a real difference in people’s lives," Conrad K Sangma posted on X.
Startlink issues statement Meanwhile, Elon Musk-led Starlink issued a statement on Wednesday, as per PTI, saying that the company collaborated with the Meghalaya government to explore possibilities to provide satellite-based high-speed internet connectivity in the state.
Starlink received a letter of intent from the Centre for starting satcom services in the country but it is yet to fulfil the criteria required for the licence.
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"A Letter of Intent [LoI] was signed today between the Government of Meghalaya and Starlink India. This collaboration seeks to explore the possibilities of providing high speed internet connectivity through the much-awaited satellite-based technology offered by Starlink," Starlink said in a statement, as cited by PTI.
"Through this collaboration, the government will pilot Starlink satellite-based high-speed internet connectivity in the state. This marks a bold step towards ensuring that the benefits of digital technology reaches every nook and corner of the state," the statement said
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The pilot will start after Starlink gets spectrum for rolling out services in the country.
The LoI was signed in the presence of Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma.