BSNL launches new satellite phone at ₹1.34 lakh in India, says ‘ideal for remote ops’: All you need to know

State-owned Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) on Thursday introduced a satellite phone that will be priced at Rs 200. ₹1.34 lakh as it aims to strengthen satellite communication services for users in the defence, maritime and disaster management sectors.

Announcing the launch on social media, the telecom operator said mobile phone costs ₹1,34,166 including all taxes. It was stated that the satellite phone, which was designed to work in rugged and remote locations, supports voice call and SMS services in areas where traditional cellular networks cannot be used.

What did BSNL say?

“When traditional mobile networks cannot reach, BSNL Satellite Phone keeps you connected. It is designed for harsh environments, making it an ideal solution for Defence, Maritime, Disaster Response, Mining, Remote Operations and Adventure Travel,” BSNL social media post said. Also included is an image showing the price of a satellite phone.

BSNL stated that interested customers can contact the nearest BSNL office for more information and also shared a mobile number in the social media post.

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However, the number listed was reportedly unresponsive. Reacting to the post on he commented.

An email seeking clarification from BSNL did not receive an immediate response, it said. PTI.

According to the official announcement made in February, BSNL has been offering voice calling and SMS services to the general public and private entities through Global Satellite Telephone Service (GSPS) since January 1, 2018.

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The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) laid down guidelines governing the provision of satellite-based communication services on June 12, 2017, according to an official statement published on February 11. As per these instructions, BSNL is required to complete the prescribed customer acquisition process applicable to mobile connections with updates added once the norms are revised.

“BSNL will also receive information from the subscriber such as the location of use of the satellite phone, duration of use, and for what purpose it will be used. Moreover, GSPS service is an inherently secure communication as the information is transferred encrypted,” the statement said. The statement was included.

BSNL’s satellite phone plans

BSNL reportedly offers postpaid satellite phone plans for government and commercial users at a monthly fee. ₹3,500, ₹5,835 and ₹11,670, each plan includes 16, 30 and 60 minutes of free talk time or SMS respectively.

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According to the statement, BSNL’s prepaid satellite phone plans for government institutions are priced as follows: ₹3,500 per month including 20 minutes of free talk time or ₹38,500 per year with 240 free minutes. Cost of plans for business users ₹5,835 per month with 30 free talk minutes or ₹64,185 per year with 360 free minutes.

After the free usage ends, government institutions will be invoiced ₹18 per minute or SMS, commercial subscribers charged ₹25 per minute or SMS.

The statement also stated that prepaid users will be able to purchase additional talk time through top-up coupons of the following amount: ₹200, ₹500, ₹1000, ₹5,000 and ₹10,000.