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Goa Partners With Elon Musk's Starlink for Digital Leap & Disaster Resilience

The Goa government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Elon Musk's Starlink to explore advanced satellite connectivity solutions. The partnership aims to bridge the digital divide by providing internet to government schools, healthcare centers, and areas with poor terrestrial networks. It will also focus on enhancing disaster resilience, emergency preparedness, and supporting coastal safety. The initiative is part of Goa's broader vision for digital transformation, smart governance, and sustainable development.

Key Points: Goa Ties Up With Starlink for Digital Connectivity, Disaster Prep

  • Boost digital inclusion in remote areas
  • Enhance coastal safety & emergency response
  • Pilot satellite broadband for schools & hospitals
  • Support smart governance & tourism development
2 min read

Goa ties up with Musk's Starlink to enhance digital connectivity, disaster resilience

Goa government signs MoU with Elon Musk's Starlink to boost internet connectivity, disaster resilience, and digital governance across the state.

"This partnership with Starlink is a significant step towards achieving our vision of a digitally empowered Goa. - Dr Pramod Sawant"

Panaji, Jan 22

The government of Goa on Thursday announced signing a Memorandum of Understanding with Elon Musk-led Starlink Satellite Communications to strengthen digital infrastructure and connectivity across the state.

Starlink's partnership with the Department of Information Technology, Electronics & Communications (DITE&C) aims to explore advanced connectivity solutions to support digital inclusion, public infrastructure, coastal safety, and emergency response capabilities across the state.

"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," Dr Pramod Sawant, Chief Minister of Goa, in a statement.

"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," added Rohan Khaunte, Minister for ITE&C.

Under the MoU, DITE&C and Starlink will explore opportunities for collaboration in key areas, including digital connectivity, disaster resilience, and smart governance within Goa.

Starlink Satellite Communications Private Limited, the Indian entity for SpaceX's Starlink satellite internet services, has expressed interest in piloting initiatives related to connectivity solutions, providing satellite broadband connectivity to select locations with limited terrestrial networks, including government schools, healthcare facilities, and disaster management centers.

It will also enhance emergency preparedness, build capacity through training, and explore affordable tariff structures for socially beneficial use cases. Additionally, it will support smart governance, tourism, and coastal development by providing connectivity solutions for public infrastructure and services.

Through the partnership, the government of Goa reaffirmed its dedication to digital transformation, leveraging technology to drive innovation, economic prosperity, and citizen welfare, and building a resilient digital ecosystem for a sustainable future.

Starlink India is yet to start its satellite services in the country. The satellite-based internet service will be available for Rs 8,600 per month, while new subscribers will have to purchase a hardware kit for Rs 34,000.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Rohan X
Rs 8,600 per month plus a Rs 34,000 hardware kit? How is this for "digital inclusion"? This seems like a service for luxury resorts and wealthy tourists, not for connecting our government schools and healthcare centers. The intent is good, but the pricing needs a reality check for India.
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Aman W
Improving disaster resilience is a very smart application. Goa faces floods and cyclones. Having a satellite-based communication system that works when cell towers are down could save lives during emergencies. This is forward-thinking.
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Sarah B
Interesting pilot project. If successful, this model could be replicated in other states with difficult terrain like the Northeast or Ladakh. Hope they focus on the "affordable tariff structures" they mentioned for public institutions.
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Karthik V
Good step, but I hope data security and sovereignty are part of the MoU details. We must ensure that critical infrastructure communication is secure. Also, what about supporting Indian satellite internet providers? Should explore partnerships with them too.
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Nisha Z
Connecting government schools and healthcare in remote areas is the best part of this news. Every child deserves access to digital learning resources. If this helps bridge that gap, it's worth exploring. Fingers crossed! 🤞

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