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Goa Partners With Starlink To Boost Digital Connectivity & Disaster Resilience

The Goa government has signed an MoU with Starlink Satellite Communications to explore advanced connectivity solutions for the state. The partnership aims to support digital inclusion, public infrastructure, coastal safety, and emergency response capabilities. Key areas of collaboration include providing satellite broadband to areas with limited terrestrial networks, such as government schools and healthcare facilities. The initiative seeks to bridge the digital divide and make Goa a more attractive hub for investment and tourism.

Key Points: Goa Govt Signs MoU With Starlink For Digital Infrastructure

  • Enhance digital inclusion & public services
  • Improve coastal safety & emergency response
  • Pilot satellite broadband in remote areas
  • Support smart governance & tourism
2 min read

Goa govt signs MoU with Starlink to boost digital connectivity, disaster resilience

Goa government partners with Starlink to enhance digital connectivity, disaster resilience, and smart governance across the state.

"This partnership with Starlink will transform Goa's governance landscape. - Rohan Khaunte"

Panaji, January 21

In a move aimed at strengthening digital infrastructure and connectivity across the state, the Department of Information Technology, Electronics & Communications, Government of Goa, on Tuesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Starlink Satellite Communications Private Limited.

The partnership seeks to explore advanced connectivity solutions to support digital inclusion, public infrastructure, coastal safety and emergency response capabilities across Goa.

The MoU was signed in the presence of Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant; Minister for Information Technology, Electronics & Communications Rohan Khaunte, Chief Secretary Dr V Candavelou, IAS; Director, DITE&C Kabir Shirgaonkar, OSD to the Minister Neville Noronha, and other senior officials. Starlink Satellite Communications Private Limited was represented by Prabhakar Jayakumar, Head, Starlink India.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant said, "The Government of Goa is committed to harnessing technology to drive digital transformation and improve the lives of our citizens. This partnership with Starlink is a significant step towards achieving our vision of a digitally empowered Goa."

Rohan Khaunte, Minister for ITE&C, said, "This partnership with Starlink will transform Goa's governance landscape, leveraging modern technology to drive efficiency and responsiveness. By bridging the digital divide and enhancing public services, we'll make Goa an even more attractive hub for investment, tourism and talent, while ensuring our citizens reap the benefits of digital progress."

Under the MoU, DITE&C and Starlink will explore collaboration in key areas such as digital connectivity, disaster resilience and smart governance. Starlink Satellite Communications Private Limited, the Indian entity for SpaceX's Starlink satellite internet services, has expressed interest in piloting connectivity solutions, including satellite broadband services in areas with limited terrestrial networks.

These initiatives may include providing connectivity to select government schools, healthcare facilities and disaster management centres. The partnership also aims to enhance emergency preparedness, build capacity through training and explore affordable tariff structures for socially beneficial use cases.

In addition, the collaboration will support smart governance, tourism and coastal development by enabling connectivity solutions for public infrastructure and services.

Through the MoU, the Government of Goa reiterated its commitment to digital transformation by leveraging technology to drive innovation, economic growth and citizen welfare, while building a resilient digital ecosystem for a sustainable future, officials said.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Sarah B
As someone who works remotely from Goa part of the year, reliable internet is crucial. This partnership could really boost the digital nomad scene and help local entrepreneurs. The focus on disaster resilience for a coastal state is also very smart planning.
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Priyanka N
I appreciate the intent, but the government must ensure this doesn't become another expensive project with little public benefit. "Affordable tariff structures" is key – will it truly be affordable for village schools and PHCs? Transparency in costs and rollout is needed.
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Vikram M
Connecting schools and healthcare centres is a brilliant use case. Imagine telemedicine in remote areas during the rains when roads are blocked. This has the potential to improve lives, not just connectivity stats. Hope other states learn from this.
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Aman W
Good step forward for digital India! 🚀 But we must also develop our own indigenous satellite internet capabilities in the long run. Partnerships are fine, but self-reliance in critical tech is vital.
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Kriti O
As a Goan, I'm cautiously optimistic. Tourism is our lifeline, and better connectivity can enhance the visitor experience. But the government must ensure the infrastructure blends with Goa's natural beauty and doesn't become an eyesore.

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