The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has announce BSNL’s launch of a direct-to-device satellite connectivity service, a step forward in expanding digital accessibility across India. This cutting-edge service aims to provide seamless connectivity in remote areas, bypassing traditional network infrastructure.
While, BSNL is enhancing digital entertainment with its new fiber-based intranet TV service, offering users over 500 live channels.
Together, these launches represent BSNL’s commitment to pioneering digital inclusion and enriching the multimedia experience for millions of users in India.
BSNL Direct-to-Device Satellite Connectivity Launch Announced by DoT
Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) launch a direct-to-device satellite connectivity service. The Indian Department of Telecommunications (DoT) announce the launch, calling it the “India’s first Satellite-to-Device service”.
BSNL develop this technology with Viasat, a California-based communications technology company.
It is aim at offering seamless connectivity to users even in the remote and isolate corners of the country.
BSNL first launch the service at the Indian Mobile Congress (IMC) 2024 and highlight that it had begun testing its capability.
In a post on X (formerly known as Twitter), the official handle of DoT India announce the launch of the new service.
BSNL launches India’s 1st Satellite-to-Device service!
— DoT India (@DoT_India) November 13, 2024
Seamless connectivity now reaches India’s remotest corners. pic.twitter.com/diNKjaivFo
Satellite connectivity is not a new technology, with Apple first announcing the capability with the iPhone 14 series smartphones.
But, satellite communication is not available to regular users in India and so far has reserve for emergency services, military, and other allied services.
With Direct-to-Device, BSNL is offering the service to all of its users, giving them the ability to stay connected despite the remoteness of the location.
For example, the satellite connectivity service can help users trekking to the Chandratal Lake in Spiti Valley or living in a remote village in Rajasthan stay connect with their love ones.
BSNL said that the service will allow users to make emergency calls when cellular network or Wi-Fi connectivity is unavailable.
You can also send SoS messages and make UPI payments in similar situations.
But, the wording is important as the company did not highlight whether calls or SMS can be sent even during non-emergency situations.
Viasat, which partner with the BSNL to develop this technology, said in a press release in October 2024 that the service will enable two-way communication for non-terrestrial network (NTN) connectivity.
In a demonstration at the IMC 2024, Viasat was able to send and receive messages 36,000km away to one of its geostationary L-band satellites.
BSNL and Viasat began trials of the service in October, and within a month, the service was launched for users.
But, some uncertainty still remains.
The state-run telecom service provider has not highlight what users need to do to get access to satellite connectivity.
Whether users will get the feature bundle into their existing plans or will have to purchase separate plans for it is also not certain.
BSNL Launch Fibre-Based Intranet TV Service With Over 500 Live Channels in India
Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has announce the launch of the first fibre-based intranet TV service in select regions in India.
This service, call as IFTV, was first introduce in October 2024 with the unveiling of the state-own telecommunications provider’s new logo and six other new facilities.
It utilises BSNL’s fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) network to provide users with live TV services with clear visuals and a Pay TV facility.
As, this development comes after the operator also launch the national Wi-Fi roaming service which allows its customers to access high-speed internet at BSNL hotspots across the country, minimising their data cost.
About BSNL IFTV Service
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), BSNL said that its new IFTV service will enable customers in Madhya Pradesh and Tamil Nadu to enjoy over 500 live TV channels in high streaming quality.
#BSNL redefines home entertainment with IFTV – India’s First Fiber-Based Intranet TV Service! Access 500+ live channels and premium Pay TV content with crystal-clear streaming over BSNL’s FTTH network. Enjoy uninterrupted entertainment that doesn’t count against your data limit!… pic.twitter.com/ScCKSmlNWV
— BSNL India (@BSNLCorporate) November 11, 2024
And it will also offer Pay TV content, unlike other live TV services offer by Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel where the data consume by streaming is deduct from the monthly quota, this will not be the case with BSNL IFTV.
The operator says data used for TV streaming is independent of their data packs and will not be deduct from the FTTH pack.
But, it will offer unlimited data for streaming.
The live TV service is said to be exclusively available to BSNL FTTH customers at no extra cost.
BNSL confirms it will also bring support for popular OTT platforms and streaming apps such as Amazon Prime Video, Disney+ Hotstar, Netflix, YouTube, and ZEE5.
Also, it will offer games too.
But BSNL says that its IFTV service is currently only compatible with Android TVs.
Customers with TVs running Android 10 or later can download the BSNL Live TV app from the Google Play Store.
To subscribe to BSNL’s IFTV service, you can download the BSNL Selfcare app from the Play Store and register for it.
This is builds upon the company’s introduction of Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) service earlier this year and is in line with its three key goals, to give services securely, affordably, and reliably.
