Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has launched satellite-to-device service, marking a significant milestone in telecommunications. This service, developed in collaboration with Viasat, aims to provide seamless connectivity even in the most remote areas of the country.
The announcement was made by the Indian Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and follows successful demonstrations of satellite-powered two-way messaging at the India Mobile Congress held in October 2024. During these trials, Viasat showcased the capability of sending messages using a commercial android smartphone equipped for non-terrestrial network (NTN) connectivity, achieving communication with one of its geostationary L-band satellites located approximately 36,000 km away.
Further, this direct-to-device connectivity allows everyday devices such as smartphones and smartwatches to connect effortlessly to both terrestrial and satellite networks, eliminating the need for specialised hardware. The new technology adheres to the global mobile third generation partnership project (3GPP) release 17 standards, which are being adopted by various satellite operators and telecommunications companies.
