Efforts to strengthen digital connectivity in Goa gained momentum as the State government explored potential collaboration with Starlink to expand high speed internet access across the region.
The Government of Goa, led by the Minister for Information Technology, Electronics and Communications, Shri Rohan Khaunte, held strategic discussions with a Starlink delegation to examine opportunities that support digital inclusion, innovation and resilient connectivity across both urban and remote areas.
2 meetings were held on December 12, 2025, focusing on alignment between Starlink’s satellite broadband capabilities and Goa’s long term digital vision. The first meeting took place at the Mantralaya in Porvorim in the presence of the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Goa, Dr. Pramod Sawant. The Starlink delegation included Ms Lauren Dreyer, Vice President Starlink Business Operations Global Access and Operations, Shri Prabhakar Jayakumar, Head of Starlink India, and Shri Manoj Ladwa, Government Affairs Strategist and Chairman, India Global Forum.
During the interaction, the Chief Minister spoke about Goa’s rapid progress on its digital transformation roadmap. “Starlink’s interest in Goa would enable the State to leverage high speed, low latency satellite broadband to accelerate infrastructure development, enhance government service delivery and support key sectors such as tourism, rural connectivity, education, industry and fisheries that rely heavily on reliable communication networks,” he said.
The second meeting was held at Taj Cidade de Goa, Dona Paula. It was attended by Shri Rohan Khaunte along with Dr V Candavelou IAS, Chief Secretary of Goa, Shri Kabir Shirgaonkar, Director of the Department of Information Technology, Electronics and Communication, Mr Pravimal Abhishek IAS, Secretary Science and Technology and Managing Director of Goa Industrial Development Corporation, the Director of Transport, other senior officials, and Ms Lauren Dreyer with the Starlink team.
Highlighting Goa’s technology focused outlook, Shri Rohan Khaunte said the State is emerging as a preferred destination for global technology players. “Goa is witnessing continual growth in emerging technologies, with global companies recognising Goa as an ideal hub for innovation, creation and scaling of technology driven solutions,” he stated.
Discussions covered the use of Starlink’s satellite network to improve rural and shadow area connectivity, strengthen industrial and electronic manufacturing clusters, enhance last mile delivery under the Har Ghar Fibre programme, modernise maritime and fisheries operations with real time communication, and support Goa’s Digital Nomad vision with seamless connectivity.
The roadmap also included proposals for CCTV surveillance at beaches, AV and AR based visitor guides, connecting schools in low coverage areas under the CARES initiative, and improving digital services for tourism, homestays, beach security and maritime experiences.
Through these engagements, Goa is advancing a comprehensive connectivity strategy aimed at expanding digital reach, strengthening rural networks and ensuring reliable access across the State.
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