Viasat, a global leader in satellite communications, has officially partnered with Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) to launch Viasat BSNL satellite services across India. This landmark move brings direct‑to‑device satellite messaging to smartphones and paves the way for full satellite internet — giving India a cutting-edge edge just as Starlink prepares for entry.
🛰️ What’s Happening?
- Strategic Tie-up: Viasat will leverage BSNL’s existing telecom license to roll out satellite connectivity services in aviation, maritime, defence, enterprise, and consumer segments
- Direct-to‑Device Messaging: Users with compatible devices like Google Pixel or through an external “puck” (~₹8,000) will send two-way messages via satellite — an assured first step before full internet access
🚀 Why It Matters
- Breaks Connectivity Barriers
This service ensures basic communication in remote, disaster‑prone, and underserved regions — a game‑changer for rural India - Strengthens B2B & Strategic Sectors
Critical industries like aviation, maritime, and defence will benefit from reliable satellite coverage enabled by BSNL + Viasat - Boosts Disaster Safety & IoT
SOS and industrial IoT messaging via satellite add a new layer of security in emergencies and remote asset tracking - Competitive Telecom Evolution
As Starlink positions its LEO service and partners with other Indian telecoms, Viasat BSNL satellite services ensure India has robust multi‑vendor satellite connectivity - Regulatory Approval Secured
Viasat has gotten IN‑SPACe clearance for its GX4 satellite under India’s new Spacecom policy — a strong foundation for upcoming internet services - Global Tech Collaboration
This venture builds on successful IMC 2024 demonstrations of messaging via smartphones to geostationary satellites ~36,000 km above Earth - Consumer-Ready Pathway
By starting with messaging, it offers a phased rollout into full satellite broadband — eventually reaching consumers for voice, data, and beyond
📅 Background & Future Outlook
At IMC 2024, BSNL and Viasat demo’d India’s first satellite phone messaging using a Geostationary L-band satellite — proving live two-way connection from ordinary smartphones economictimes
While Starlink readies LEO-based consumer broadband, Viasat BSNL satellite services will follow a unique satellite internet path — combining messaging first, then full services under BSNL’s license with GEO satellites .
🔧 What’s Next?
- Immediate Rollout: Expect satellite messaging services — SOS, UPI alerts, potentially text — for compatible devices and puck attachments.
- Expanded Reach: Addition of aviation, maritime, industrial, and remote enterprise connectivity.
- Full Broadband Phase: Following regulatory green lights and infrastructure setup, full satellite internet is expected to follow later.
- Consumer Adoption: Watch for affordable device integration, subscription plans, and consumer-friendly packages from BSNL.
✅ Bottom Line
India’s Viasat BSNL satellite services marks the country’s inaugural step into GEO-enabled direct smartphone connectivity and messaging — a move set to redefine communication in remote and strategic domains. With future satellite internet access on the horizon, this partnership places India on the global satellite tech map — just as Starlink begins its journey.
