TRAI is preparing to launch satellite service in India. The telecom regulator has set a deadline for finalizing the spectrum allocation. A decision on the spectrum for satellite communication may be taken by December 15 next month. This will also clear the way for Elon Musk’s satellite internet company Starlink to enter India. However, even before this, the state-owned telecom company BSNL has increased the tension of Elon Musk. BSNL has launched India’s first satellite-to-device service. This information is provided by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT).
Calling will be without network
DoT gave this information by posting a video from its official X handle. After the satellite-to-device service is launched, users can enjoy calling and data benefits even without a SIM card and mobile network. The Department of Telecom said in its post that BSNL has partnered with American satellite communication company Viasat for this.
Recently, the company demoed its satellite-to-device service at the India Mobile Congress 2024 held at the Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, where the company demonstrated video calling using Viasat’s L band satellite located at 36,000 km. The satellite-to-device service will prove particularly beneficial for users. Users will be able to make calls even from where there is no mobile network. This service is specially brought to stay in touch in times of emergency.
Elon Musk’s tension increased
Elon Musk has been applying for launching satellite internet service in India for the past two years. Musk is currently providing his Starlink satellite internet service to many countries around the world. Due to lack of regulatory approval in India, Musk has not been able to launch this service. After the completion of spectrum allocation by the telecom regulator, satellite based communication services of Jio, Airtel, Amazon etc. including Elon Musk’s Starlink will be able to start. The launch of satellite-to-device service by BSNL could be a big challenge for these companies.
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