TRAI is gearing up to launch satellite services in India. The telecom regulator has set a deadline to finalize spectrum allocation. A decision on satellite communications spectrum could be taken by December 15 next month. This will also clear the way for Elon Musk’s satellite internet company Starlink to enter India. Even before that, however, government telecom company BSNL had stoked Elon Musk’s nerves. BSNL launches India’s first satellite-to-device service. This information is provided by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT).
Can make calls even without internet connection
DoT provides this information by posting a video of its official X account. With the launch of satellite-to-device services, users can enjoy call and data services even without a SIM card and mobile network. BSNL has partnered with US satellite communications company Viasat for this, the telecom ministry said in its post.
Recently, the company demonstrated its satellite-to-device services at the India Mobile Congress 2024 at the Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, where it demonstrated video calling using Viasat’s L-band satellite located at 36,000 km. Satellite-to-device services will prove particularly beneficial to users. Users can make calls even in places where there is no mobile network. This service is designed to stay in touch during emergencies.
Tensions rise for Elon Musk
Elon Musk has been applying to launch satellite internet services in India for the past two years. Musk is currently offering his Starlink satellite internet service in many countries around the world. Musk has been unable to launch the service due to a lack of regulatory approval in India. Once the telecom regulator completes spectrum allocation, satellite communications services from Jio, Airtel, Amazon and others, including Elon Musk’s Starlink, will be able to launch. The launch of satellite-to-device services by BSNL may pose a huge challenge to these companies.
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