Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has announced the launch of a direct-to-device satellite connectivity service in India. The company calls it India’s first Satellite-to-Device service. The service has been developed with Viasat, a California-based communications technology company. It aims to offer seamless connectivity to users even in the remote and isolated areas of the country.
The service keeps users connected in remote areas where mobile networks aren’t available. Users can make emergency calls when cellular network or Wi-Fi connectivity is unavailable For example, users trekking to the Chandratal Lake in Spiti Valley can still stay connected with their loved ones with this service. BSNL’s satellite connectivity service offers global coverage. So, it enables users to stay connected regardless of their location.
The service enables two-way communication for non-terrestrial network (NTN) connectivity. It supports emergency calling, SoS messaging, and even UPI payments. The technology was also demonstrated at IMC 2024 where Viasat was able to send and receive messages 36,000km away.
BSNL and Viasat began trials back in October and now the service has been launched for users.
BSNL has yet to confirm how users can access the service. We are unsure if there will be specific recharge plans or if the company will bundle them into existing plans.
