Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (), India’s state-owned telecom provider, has introduced a groundbreaking Direct-to-Device satellite connectivity service in partnership with the U.S.-based communications company Viasat. Announced by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), this launch marks a significant leap in India’s telecom industry as it becomes the nation’s first satellite-to-device communication service available for regular users, offering reliable connectivity in remote and isolated areas.

First announced at the Indian Mobile Congress (IMC) 2024, BSNL’s Direct-to-Device service was later confirmed by the DoT through a post on X (formerly Twitter). Although satellite connectivity has existed primarily for emergency and military applications, this new service makes it accessible to the general public for the first time, setting it apart from existing technologies like Apple’s satellite SOS for iPhone.

The primary goal of BSNL’s satellite service is to connect users in areas with limited or no network coverage. Whether it’s trekking in remote regions like Spiti Valley, working in rural areas, or traveling in remote landscapes, users will now have the option to stay connected even where cellular and Wi-Fi networks are absent. The service supports essential functions such as emergency calling, SoS messaging, and UPI payments, helping ensure safety and connectivity when other networks are unavailable.

BSNL’s collaboration with Viasat has enabled two-way communication through L-band geostationary satellites stationed 36,000 kilometers from Earth. Demonstrations at IMC 2024 illustrated the service’s capacity to send and receive messages across these vast distances, showcasing BSNL’s advanced non-terrestrial network (NTN) capabilities. This collaboration highlights a milestone in India’s satellite communication, bringing a new level of reliability to remote and underserved regions.

While the Direct-to-Device service is now operational, BSNL has yet to disclose specifics about how users can activate or access it. It remains unclear whether the service will be integrated into current plans or provided as a premium offering. Information on pricing and accessibility is anticipated soon, as BSNL prepares to extend this service across rural and remote communities.

This launch positions India among a select group of nations offering direct satellite connectivity for consumer use, reinforcing BSNL’s commitment to enhancing connectivity for every Indian, regardless of location. With this innovation, BSNL is not only addressing the connectivity needs of remote areas but also leading India’s telecom industry toward a future where seamless connectivity is possible in even the most challenging terrains.