India
oi-Prakash KL
State-owned telecom BSNL has launched a new satellite phone to help people stay connected in places where mobile towers do not exist. The price of the phone is Rs 1,34,166 (inclusive of taxes)
Who Can Buy The Phone?
BSNL has launched a satellite phone for ₹1,34,166, enabling connectivity in areas without mobile towers for sectors like defence and disaster response; its use requires a license or NOC from the DoT under the Telecommunications Act 2023.
According to the BSNL, this service will be an ideal solution for Defence, Maritime,Disaster Response, Mining, Remote Operations and Adventure Travel.
How does it actually work?
This connects directly to satellites orbiting the Earth, either Low Earth Orbit (LEO) or Geosynchronous Earth Orbit (GEO) satellites, depending on the situation.
When you make a call, your voice travels from the handset up to a satellite, which then relays it down to a ground station. From there, it enters the regular phone network or internet.
Tariff Plans
As far as the tariff is concerned, BSNL offers two fixed monthly plans: G1 at ₹3,500 (includes 16 minutes of talktime and SMS) and G2 at ₹5,835 (includes 30 minutes).
On a pre-paid basis, Plan G1 is available for ₹3,500 per month with an increased allowance of 20 minutes. Alternatively, agencies can opt for an Annual GA Plan priced at ₹38,500, which bundles 240 minutes of talktime and SMS.
BSNL has partnered with global satellite network providers like Inmarsat to make this happen across remote regions.
The phone promises:
Rock-solid satellite connectivity where others fail
Voice calling capability from practically anywhere
Emergency support for when things go south
Decent battery life
Security Concerns
Now, here’s where things get interesting and a bit complicated. Satellite phones in India aren’t like regular mobiles that anyone can buy off the shelf. There are strict rules around who can own and operate these devices. The 2008 Mumbai terror attacks changed everything-terrorists used Thuraya satellite phones to communicate with handlers in Pakistan, and the government tightened the screws afterwards.
Under the Telecommunications Act 2023, you need either a license or a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) to use one.
People can get more details from their nearest BSNL office and also by calling this number: 9465101323.
Interestingly, BSNL has actually been offering satellite phone services to the public and private enterprises since January 2018 through their Global Satellite Phone Service (GSPS). The customer acquisition process is similar to what you’d go through for a regular mobile connection, with all the required checks and balances.
