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Starlink to Transform Last-Mile Internet in Meghalaya, Says CM Sangma

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma announced a partnership with Starlink India to deploy satellite-based internet, targeting transformative last-mile connectivity in the state's remote regions. He emphasized that while optical fibre expansion is ongoing, satellite technology offers a faster solution to bridge the digital divide. The initiative is aligned with the state's vision to build a $10 billion economy by 2028 and develop Shillong as an IT hub. Improved connectivity is expected to enhance service delivery in healthcare, education, and governance, while boosting entrepreneurship and digital inclusion.

Key Points: Starlink to Boost Meghalaya's Last-Mile Connectivity

  • Satellite internet for remote areas
  • Aims to save lives and improve education
  • Supports $10B economy goal by 2028
  • Shillong as an IT hub for Northeast
2 min read

Starlink tie-up to transform last-mile connectivity in Meghalaya: CM Conrad Sangma

Meghalaya partners with Starlink for satellite internet to connect remote areas, aiming to boost healthcare, education, and economic growth.

"If this initiative helps save even one life... it will be a meaningful success. - Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma"

Shillong, April 1

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma said on Wednesday that satellite-based internet services through Starlink will have a "transformative impact" on last-mile connectivity in the state, particularly in remote and underserved regions.

Speaking after witnessing the signing of a Letter of Intent between the Meghalaya government and Starlink India via video conference, Chief Minister Sangma emphasised that connectivity remains a key challenge despite sustained efforts to expand optical fibre networks.

"Expanding connectivity to the last mile continues to be a challenge. While we have been laying optical fibre to reach remote health centres, schools and villages, the process is time-intensive, and time is of the essence," the Chief Minister said.

He expressed confidence that the partnership would significantly improve access to essential services.

"If this initiative helps save even one life through better healthcare access, enables one child to receive quality education, or enhances the income of a farmer, it will be a meaningful success," Chief Minister Sangma noted.

The collaboration aligns with Meghalaya's broader vision of building a $10 billion economy by 2028, with digital infrastructure seen as a critical driver of inclusive growth and economic progress.

Highlighting the state's ambitions in the technology sector, Chief Minister Sangma said the state government aims to develop Shillong as a hub for IT and IT-enabled services in the Northeast.

He added that adoption of advanced technologies like satellite internet can help Meghalaya "leapfrog traditional limitations" and accelerate development.

He also stressed the urgency of implementation, saying that the immediate goal is to deploy the technology in the most remote and underserved areas at the earliest.

Officials said the partnership is expected to enhance service delivery across sectors such as healthcare, education, governance and disaster management, while also boosting entrepreneurship, skill development and digital inclusion.

Given Meghalaya's hilly terrain and scattered habitations, satellite-based connectivity is seen as a practical alternative to conventional infrastructure like fibre networks and mobile towers, enabling reliable high-speed internet access across difficult geographies.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Finally! Digital inclusion should be a right, not a privilege. My cousin is a teacher in a village near Cherrapunji and struggles with online resources. This can bridge the educational divide. Kudos to the Meghalaya government for thinking ahead.
R
Rohit P
Good step, but I hope this isn't just another LOI that gets stuck in bureaucracy. We've seen many such announcements. The CM says "time is of the essence" – they need to prove it with action on the ground. The real test will be connectivity in the monsoon season.
S
Sarah B
As someone who has worked in rural development, reliable internet can transform healthcare access. Telemedicine can save lives in areas where the nearest hospital is hours away. This partnership has huge potential if implemented correctly.
V
Vikram M
Developing Shillong as an IT hub is a visionary goal. Satellite internet can attract remote workers and startups to the region's beautiful landscape. This could create a new economic model for the entire Northeast. Jai Hind!
K
Karthik V
The focus on last-mile connectivity is crucial. While cities get 5G, our villages often lack basic 4G. Hope other states with difficult terrain like Uttarakhand and Himachal also explore such solutions. National digital infrastructure needs this push.

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