India’s
state-owned telecom operator BSNL is stepping up its game with a
groundbreaking new service that might change how we connect. At the
recent India Mobile Congress, BSNL introduced “Direct to
Device” (D2D), a satellite-powered communication service that allows
users to send messages without needing a SIM card. This innovation was
developed in collaboration with the satellite company Viasat and has the
potential to provide connectivity even in remote and underserved areas.
With a vision to close connectivity gaps, especially in rural and
isolated regions, this service could be particularly valuable during
emergencies when traditional networks might fail.
D2D
technology integrates satellite and terrestrial networks, enabling
messages over long distances – widely distributed over land, sea, and
air. At the India Mobile Congress, BSNL highlighted the transmission of
messages to a satellite at an altitude of about 36,000 kilometres above
Earth with a typical Android phone. In contrast to conventional
messaging, D2D reuses existing cellular networks to connect directly
with satellites, which function like large cell towers in space. It aims
to bring a closer connection to users in regions that lack cellular
coverage and face frequent disruptions.
BSNL
isn't the only one vying for satellite connectivity. The major telecoms
in India – Airtel, Jio, and Vodafone-Idea – are looking to seek this
kind of technology to increase their reach. They're, however, up against
fierce competition given that Elon Musk's Starlink has launched
thousands of satellites globally. Starlink provides internet access for
remote parts of the world, and it's, already, becoming a fiery debate
over satellite spectrum rights in India. Musk recently expressed
concerns over Indian telecoms' calls for spectrum auctions, calling it
an 'unprecedented' step that can turn the tides on the global satellite
internet industry.
As
BSNL and other telecom operators push further, the competition for
satellite-based connectivity picks momentum, promising newer
possibilities for users across remote parts of India.
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