BSNL Satellite Phone: The country's only state-owned company, BSNL, has launched a new satellite phone. It costs ₹1.34 lakh, but not everyone will be able to afford it. This phone is used only for specific purposes.

BSNL Satellite Phone: BSNL has launched a new satellite phone.

BSNL Satellite Phone: The country's only government-owned company, BSNL, has launched a new satellite phone . It will be useful in areas where mobile networks are not available. As the name suggests, this phone works by connecting to a satellite. BSNL stated that this handset was developed in partnership with global satellite network provider Inmarsat. It should be noted that owning a satellite phone is illegal in India. If you plan to purchase one, you must first obtain permission from the government. Purchasing or owning a phone without permission could land you in legal trouble. Let's explore the features of this BSNL satellite phone and who it's targeted for.

Features of BSNL Satellite Phone

BSNL states that this phone will allow for crystal-clear voice calls despite satellite connectivity and comes with emergency support. The phone features a rugged and durable design to prevent drops and offers a long battery life. BSNL states in its post that this satellite phone is suitable for defense, maritime, disaster management, mining, remote operations, and adventure travel. This means the company is not marketing it to the general public. This government-owned satellite phone is priced at ₹134,166. You can purchase it from your nearest BSNL office. However, you will need permission from the Department of Telecommunications before purchasing it. Without this permission, you will not be able to purchase the satellite phone.

How does a satellite phone work?

As the name suggests, a satellite phone is connected to a satellite. It doesn't require a mobile network to transmit or receive signals. It transmits and receives signals directly from the satellite. This makes it usable even in places where mobile networks are not available. This is why it is used on ships and other ships.

Why did satellite phones not become popular?

Besides the hassles of obtaining permission, there are several other reasons why satellite phones haven't become popular. Their biggest drawback is call lag. This means that it takes a while for your voice to reach the receiver after you speak. Another problem is cost. Buying a satellite phone and making calls using it is quite expensive, costing more than 100 rupees per minute. Furthermore, satellite phones are much larger and heavier than standard phones.