BSNL brings first direct-to-device satellite service to India

Indian Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has announced that the Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has introduced India’s first satellite-to-device service, designed to extend seamless connectivity even to the most isolated parts of the country. In collaboration with Viasat, a California-based communications technology company BSNL aims to provide uninterrupted network access in areas with limited or no cellular coverage.

The initiative, initially showcased at the India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2024, marks a significant step towards bridging India’s digital divide. According to BSNL, the direct-to-device satellite connectivity service has already undergone extensive testing, with promising results in its capability to maintain connections in remote and challenging locations.

The DoT took to X (formerly Twitter) to celebrate the launch, highlighting that BSNL’s service is intended to make satellite communication widely available to Indian users. While satellite connectivity has been previously introduced in devices like Apple’s iPhone 14 for emergency use, such services have so far been restricted in India to government and military use. BSNL’s offering brings the technology to the general public, allowing users to stay connected even in remote locales.

The service operates by partnering with satellite companies to establish a seamless connection between satellites and user devices, bypassing traditional ground-based network infrastructure. This innovation has the potential to drastically improve connectivity in India, supporting services across various industries, including agriculture, transportation, disaster management, and defense, where real-time communication is essential.

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.

 

BSNL’s initiative aligns with the government’s push for Digital India and aims to support rapid technological advancement in the country by enabling high-speed internet access and uninterrupted network services for more users. The service is expected to prove particularly useful for users traveling to or residing in remote regions—whether it’s trekkers heading to remote areas like Spiti Valley or families in rural villages across Rajasthan.