BSNL’s Direct-to-Device Satellite Service: 10 things you need to know about India’s first remote connectivity solution – Technology News
Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has launched India’s first Direct-to-device satellite connectivity, a game-changing service that aims to bridge the connectivity gap in remote areas, where traditional cellular networks fall apart. BSNL has tied up with US-based communications company Viasat, to launch the service.
BSNL’s satellite-based connectivity, which is potential competitor to Elon Musk’s Starlink, promises to revolutionise access to communication and digital services, by allowing users to make calls and send messages without a SIM card or network connection. It was first announced and showcased at the Indian Mobile Congress (IMC) 2024. The official launch was communicated by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) through a post on X (previously Twitter).
Here’s a closer look at what this service offers, how it works, and its potential impact.
- What is BSNL’s Direct-to-device satellite service: BSNL’s Direct-to-device satellite service is a satellite-powered connectivity solution, allowing users to access network services in areas where cellular or Wi-Fi networks are unavailable. Unlike traditional mobile connectivity that relies on cellular towers, this service uses satellites in orbit to transmit signals directly to devices on the ground.
- First for regular users in India: While satellite communication technology isn’t new—Apple introduced satellite-based SOS in the iPhone 14—this service marks a first for India, as BSNL extends satellite connectivity to everyday users. Previously, satellite communications were primarily reserved for emergency and military services.
- Addressing connectivity gaps: This service is especially useful for people in remote and rural regions where building and maintaining cellular infrastructure is challenging. With satellite connectivity, people traveling to secluded destinations or living in sparsely populated villages can stay connected.
- Technology by Viasat: Developed with Viasat’s geostationary L-band satellites, BSNL’s service uses Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) technology to enable two-way communication between Earth-based devices and satellites positioned 36,000 kilometres above, resulting in reliable connectivity that bypasses ground-based cell towers, making it ideal for remote coverage.
- Emergency calls and SOS messaging: One of the service’s highlights is its emergency communication feature. In situations where cellular or Wi-Fi networks are unavailable, users can make emergency calls or send SOS messages directly via satellite. This feature provides a critical safety net for adventurers, travellers, and residents in remote areas.
- Support for UPI payments: BSNL’s satellite service also has potential to support UPI payments. This could empower people in rural or underserved regions to make digital transactions even without internet access.
- Two-way communication capability: BSNL’s service goes beyond basic satellite communication by enabling two-way messaging. This means users can send and receive messages over the satellite network, which is a step above standard one-way satellite services available elsewhere.
- Launch and trials: BSNL’s new service was showcased at IMC 2024, where the company demonstrated its technical capability. After successful trials conducted in October, BSNL seems ready to launch the service publicly.
- Subscription details still to come: BSNL has yet to disclose whether this satellite connectivity feature will be bundled with existing plans or if users will need separate subscriptions. Further announcements on pricing and plan structures are awaited.
- BSNL on a redemption spree: The Direct-to-device satellite service places BSNL at the forefront of telecom innovation in India. The announcement is part of the state-run telecom operator’s big revival plans. At IMC 2024, it launched a new logo and as many as seven new services including India’s first fibre-based intranet TV service, known as IFTV, specifically for its Fibre-to-the-Home (FTTH) subscribers.
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