Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), India’s government-operated telecom provider, has introduced its new direct-to-device satellite connectivity service. This service, announced by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), marks India’s first satellite-to-device communication solution. It was developed in collaboration with the US-based communications technology company Viasat.

The new service focuses on providing connectivity in remote areas, helping users stay connected even in isolated locations. The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) announced the launch of a new service via a post on X (formerly Twitter), following a presentation by BSNL at the Indian Mobile Congress (IMC) 2024. While satellite connectivity has previously been limited to emergency and military use, this service is the first of its kind to be available for regular users in India. This distinguishes it from earlier technologies, such as Apple's satellite SOS feature for the iPhone.

BSNL's new satellite service is designed to assist users in challenging locations with limited network access. Whether one is trekking in a remote area or living in a rural community, one will now be able to connect with family and friends in situations where cellular or Wi-Fi networks are unavailable. The service supports emergency calls, SOS messaging, and even UPI payments when other networks are out of reach.

BSNL has activated its satellite connectivity service, but it has not yet specified how users can access it. It is unclear whether this feature will be included in existing plans or offered as a separate package. The service is expected to benefit users in rural and remote areas, but more details regarding pricing and activation are anticipated soon.