BSNL (Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited) is an Indian state-owned telecommunications company that is expanding its role in the space industry. BSNL partners with companies like Viasat and Softbank to provide satellite communication services, including direct-to-device connectivity, 5G, and IoT coverage. They utilize satellite transponders to support telecommunications applications, particularly in remote areas, and are involved in the rollout of indigenous 4G towers with plans for 5G upgrades, incorporating satellite messaging services. BSNL is involved in satellite communication, direct-to-device services, rural connectivity, and disaster recovery solutions.
All verified mentions of this organization in source documents.
Viasat partnered with BSNL for the direct-to-device demonstration in India.
In 2021, Inmarsat said that BSNL, an Indian state-owned telecom company, received the licenses needed to deliver broadband to aviation, maritime, and government customers in India using Inmarsat’s satellites.
BSNL was cleared in 2022 to use a gateway installed in India to connect Inmarsat’s satellites to Internet of Things (IoT) devices.
Under the USO-funded project, BSNL will deliver applications including cellular backhaul, enterprise connectivity, maritime services, and remote community Wi-Fi to the islands.
BSNL will use the Dialog platform to dynamically allocate bandwidth as demand varies from island to island and to scale and expand capacity to meet future needs.
ST Engineering iDirect has been awarded a contract by system integrator Shaf Broadcast Pvt. Ltd. on behalf of BSNL to augment satellite bandwidth to the Andaman, Nicobar, and Lakshadweep islands under a Universal Service Obligation project funded by the Department of Telecommunications.