Satellite Broadband Enters Policy Agenda as Government of Goa Explores Collaboration With Starlink

Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant and IT Minister Rohan Khaunte discussed potential applications of satellite broadband to strengthen rural connectivity, maritime communication, and last-mile digital access across Goa.

Satellite broadband has moved into active policy consideration in Goa as the State Government engaged in discussions with Starlink to examine opportunities for strengthening digital connectivity across urban, rural, coastal, and remote regions. The engagement reflects Goa’s broader push to reinforce its technology ecosystem and improve access to reliable communication infrastructure.
The Government of Goa, under the leadership of Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant, held strategic discussions with representatives from Starlink to understand how satellite-based broadband solutions could complement the State’s existing digital infrastructure. The focus of the dialogue remained on improving connectivity in areas where traditional terrestrial networks face limitations.

A key meeting took place at the Mantralaya in Porvorim, attended by Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant and senior State officials. The Starlink delegation included Ms. Lauren Dreyer, Vice President, Starlink Business Operations, Global Access and Operations, Mr. Prabhakar Jayakumar, Head, Starlink India, and Mr. Manoj Ladwa, Government Affairs Strategist and Chairman, India Global Forum. Discussions centered on the potential role of low-latency satellite broadband in supporting governance, public service delivery, and infrastructure development.
Speaking during the interaction, Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant highlighted Goa’s progress in digital transformation and the State’s emphasis on strengthening digital services. He noted that satellite broadband could support sectors such as tourism, education, industry, fisheries, and rural development, all of which depend on stable and reliable communication networks for growth and efficiency.

A second meeting was held at Taj Cidade de Goa in Dona Paula, chaired by Shri Rohan Khaunte, Minister for Information Technology, Electronics and Communications, Tourism, and Printing and Stationery. The meeting was attended by Dr. V. Candavelou, IAS, Chief Secretary, Government of Goa, Shri Kabir Shirgaonkar, Director, Department of Information Technology, Electronics and Communication, Mr. Pravimal Abhishek, IAS, Secretary, Science and Technology, Managing Director, Goa Industrial Development Corporation, Director of Transport, along with other senior officials and the Starlink leadership team.
During the discussions, Shri Rohan Khaunte spoke about Goa’s emergence as a preferred destination for global technology players. He pointed to the State’s growing focus on innovation, digital infrastructure, and technology-led development, noting that international companies increasingly view Goa as a viable hub for building and scaling digital solutions.

The meetings outlined several areas where Starlink’s satellite network could align with Goa’s development priorities. These included strengthening connectivity in rural and shadow areas, improving high-speed data access for industrial and electronic manufacturing clusters, and enhancing last-mile digital reach under the Har Ghar Fibre programme. The discussions also covered the use of satellite connectivity to modernise maritime operations and support fisheries through real-time communication systems.
Additional focus areas included the potential for improved digital services in tourism, such as connectivity for homestays, beach surveillance systems, and maritime experiences. Officials also discussed the possibility of connecting schools in low-coverage regions under the CARES initiative and supporting digital infrastructure for emerging use cases such as CCTV surveillance at beaches and AV and AR-based visitor guides.

Through these engagements, the Government of Goa is working toward a comprehensive connectivity roadmap aimed at expanding digital access across the State. The approach seeks to strengthen rural networks, improve communication capabilities for coastal and maritime activities, and ensure seamless last-mile connectivity, while supporting Goa’s long-term vision for inclusive and resilient digital growth.

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