At the recent Indian Mobile Congress, BSNL, the government-owned telecom operator, introduced its new logo, slogan, and seven new services. One standout service, “Direct to Device” (D2D), may let users make phone calls without needing a SIM card.
This innovative D2D service, developed with Viasat, aims to connect satellite and terrestrial networks for seamless communication. BSNL showcased D2D’s capabilities at the Congress, using satellite-powered two-way messaging on a commercial Android phone. In a successful trial, a message was sent 36,000 km to a Viasat satellite. D2D is expected to be crucial in emergencies and natural disasters, as it works across land, sea, and air.
D2D operates by combining existing cellular networks with satellite constellations, turning satellites into large cell towers. This technology could bridge connectivity gaps, especially in rural or remote areas with limited network access.
BSNL isn’t the only player in this space. Major telecoms like Airtel, Jio, and Vodafone-Idea are also working on satellite connectivity services. However, they face stiff competition from Elon Musk’s Starlink, which has already launched thousands of satellites and provides global internet coverage.
Last month, Elon Musk openly challenged Indian telecom giants Mukesh Ambani and Sunil Bharti Mittal over their calls for auctioning satellite spectrum, calling it an “unprecedented” move.
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