14 Nov 2024
Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has built this service in association with Californian communications company Viasat.
BSNL, the government-owned telecom provider, launched a pioneering direct-to-device satellite service on Wednesday. It will offer uninterrupted network access to even the remotest areas and boost cellular coverage nationwide. This model was showcased at the India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2024.
iPhone14 had introduced satellite connectivity, but these services were limited to government and military use in India. BSNL makes the service available to the general public.
The service will assist Indians in making emergency calls, sending SoS messages and transacting via UPI in locations with no or limited cellular and Wi-Fi connections. BSNL is yet to announce how its users will be able to access the service and its pricing structure.
Satellite spectrum will be allotted to telcos administratively and not via auction.
Direct-to-device connectivity allows regular devices like mobile phones, smartwatches, cars, industrial machinery and transport operators to connect with terrestrial and satellite coverage without dedicated hardware.