BSNL launches India’s first Direct-to-Device satellite connectivity in collaboration with Viasat

Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), the state-owned telecom service provider, has officially launched India’s first Direct-to-Device satellite connectivity service, marking a significant milestone in the country’s communications landscape.

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) announced the new service on Wednesday, describing it as a game-changer for providing seamless connectivity even in the most remote corners of India. This pioneering technology was developed in collaboration with California-based communications company Viasat.

The service was initially unveiled at the Indian Mobile Congress (IMC) 2024, where BSNL showcased the technology and began testing its capabilities. According to the DoT, this new satellite service will be able to keep people connected even when traditional cellular networks or Wi-Fi are unavailable.

Satellite connectivity reaches the masses
While satellite communication isn’t a new concept — Apple introduced similar technology with its iPhone 14 series — it has traditionally been reserved for emergency services, military operations, and allied sectors. Until now, everyday users in India have not had direct access to such advanced connectivity.

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BSNL’s Direct-to-Device service changes that, making satellite connectivity available to regular users. Whether it’s adventurers trekking in the Spiti Valley or residents in remote villages of Rajasthan, users can now stay connected, even in the most isolated locations.

BSNL explained that the service will enable users to make emergency calls when there is no cellular or Wi-Fi coverage, as well as send SoS messages and even make UPI payments under similar circumstances. However, the details remain somewhat ambiguous, as BSNL has not clarified whether regular calls or text messages will be supported in non-emergency situations.

Viasat’s role and technological breakthrough
Viasat, BSNL’s technology partner, has been instrumental in bringing this service to life. In a previous press release, Viasat revealed that the service will provide two-way communication through non-terrestrial networks (NTN).

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During a demonstration at IMC 2024, the technology successfully sent and received messages from 36,000km away via one of Viasat’s geostationary L-band satellites. This achievement underscores the potential of satellite connectivity to revolutionise communication in regions where traditional networks are unreliable or nonexistent.

The service’s rollout follows a month of rigorous testing that began in October. However, questions remain about the practical aspects of using the service. BSNL has yet to outline how users can access satellite connectivity — whether it will be part of existing plans or require separate subscriptions. These details are expected to be clarified in the coming weeks as the service becomes more widely available.

For now, BSNL’s launch marks a major advancement in making reliable communication accessible across the farthest reaches of India, setting the stage for a more connected and tech-driven future.