Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), India’s government-operated telecom provider, has launched its new Direct-to-Device satellite connectivity service. Announced by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), this is India’s first satellite-to-device communication service, developed in partnership with US-based communications technology company Viasat.
Aimed at providing connectivity in remote areas, the new service is designed to help users stay connected even in isolated locations. The initiative is perceived with a significant paradigm shift in the communication landscape in India.
The companies successfully demonstrated satellite-powered two-way messaging services for attendees at the India Mobile Congress in October. In the trial, Viasat demonstrated two-way messaging and emergency messaging using a commercial Android smartphone enabled for non-terrestrial network (NTN) connectivity. The messages were sent nearly 36,000km to one of Viasat’s geostationary L-band satellites.
While satellite connectivity has been available for emergency and military use, this service marks the first time it’s accessible for regular users in India, setting it apart from previous technologies like Apple’s satellite SOS for iPhone.
BSNL’s satellite service will allow users to make emergency calls, send SoS messages, and even process UPI payments in situations where cellular and Wi-Fi networks are unavailable. However, the telecom provider has not yet clarified whether the service will support regular calls or SMS for everyday use outside emergencies.
Direct-to-device connectivity allows mainstream gadgets, such as smartphones, smartwatches, or even vehicles, to connect seamlessly to terrestrial and satellite coverage. This enables devices to stay connected from any location without the need for dedicated hardware to connect to satellites.
While the satellite connectivity service is active, BSNL has not yet clarified how users can access it. It remains to be seen if the feature will be included in existing plans or offered as a separate package. The service will likely benefit users across rural and remote regions, though further details on pricing and activation are expected soon.
This new satellite-based service places India among the few countries offering direct satellite connectivity to consumers, underscoring BSNL’s role in expanding network access for all Indian users.
This is a milestone and an initiative towards bridging the connectivity gaps in remote areas of India and further provide uninterrupted network access in areas with limited or no cellular coverage. It is directly addressing and remedying the issue of digital divide in India.
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.
