As Elon Musk’s Starlink moves closer to launching its satellite internet services in India, fellow US satellite communications firm Viasat is ramping up its presence in the country. According to a TOI report, Viasat is partnering with state-run BSNL to deliver satellite connectivity services and is expanding its coverage across aviation, maritime, defence, and private enterprise segments.
Viasat has tied up with BSNL to operate under the telecom PSU’s existing licence, and is preparing to roll out direct-to-device (D2D) satellite services. Initially, the offering will support two-way messaging, with full internet capabilities expected to follow in the future. BSNL, through this arrangement, could become one of the first Indian telecom companies to offer satcom services, reported TOI.
The D2D services will allow certain smartphones, such as Google Pixel, to directly connect to satellites. For other handsets, users can rely on a compact external device—referred to as a ‘puck’—which enables two-way satellite messaging. The puck, priced under Rs 8,000, has already proven useful in emergency situations in global markets where it is active.
With the BSNL tie-up, Viasat, currently focused on the B2B segment, is expanding into the consumer space. “This partnership will help broaden satellite connectivity access, especially in areas beyond network coverage,” a telecom TOI quoted a department official as saying.
Starlink, which recently received approval to operate in India, plans to offer consumer satellite broadband, enterprise connectivity, and services in rural and remote regions. While Viasat uses geostationary satellites, Starlink will rely on low-earth orbit (LEO) satellites to deliver its services.
Following its acquisition of UK-based Inmarsat, Viasat has strengthened its foothold in the Indian aviation and maritime safety ecosystem. It currently provides safety communications to Indian-registered aircraft and vessels, which supports expansion into commercial passenger and operational services.
The company has also received satellite authorisation from IN-SPACe for its GX4 satellite under India’s Spacecom Policy. “This approval is a key milestone in enabling high-speed satellite connectivity across Indian airspace and waters,” an official told TOI.
In October 2024, BSNL and Viasat demonstrated India’s first satellite-based messaging service on a regular smartphone using an indigenously developed system. This message was relayed to a geostationary satellite located 36,000 km above Earth, marking a breakthrough in mobile satellite communications in the country.
While Viasat expands its services, Starlink is currently working to set up its ground infrastructure to begin commercial operations in India.
(With inputs from TOI)
Viasat has tied up with BSNL to operate under the telecom PSU’s existing licence, and is preparing to roll out direct-to-device (D2D) satellite services. Initially, the offering will support two-way messaging, with full internet capabilities expected to follow in the future. BSNL, through this arrangement, could become one of the first Indian telecom companies to offer satcom services, reported TOI.
The D2D services will allow certain smartphones, such as Google Pixel, to directly connect to satellites. For other handsets, users can rely on a compact external device—referred to as a ‘puck’—which enables two-way satellite messaging. The puck, priced under Rs 8,000, has already proven useful in emergency situations in global markets where it is active.
With the BSNL tie-up, Viasat, currently focused on the B2B segment, is expanding into the consumer space. “This partnership will help broaden satellite connectivity access, especially in areas beyond network coverage,” a telecom TOI quoted a department official as saying.
Starlink, which recently received approval to operate in India, plans to offer consumer satellite broadband, enterprise connectivity, and services in rural and remote regions. While Viasat uses geostationary satellites, Starlink will rely on low-earth orbit (LEO) satellites to deliver its services.
Following its acquisition of UK-based Inmarsat, Viasat has strengthened its foothold in the Indian aviation and maritime safety ecosystem. It currently provides safety communications to Indian-registered aircraft and vessels, which supports expansion into commercial passenger and operational services.
The company has also received satellite authorisation from IN-SPACe for its GX4 satellite under India’s Spacecom Policy. “This approval is a key milestone in enabling high-speed satellite connectivity across Indian airspace and waters,” an official told TOI.
In October 2024, BSNL and Viasat demonstrated India’s first satellite-based messaging service on a regular smartphone using an indigenously developed system. This message was relayed to a geostationary satellite located 36,000 km above Earth, marking a breakthrough in mobile satellite communications in the country.
While Viasat expands its services, Starlink is currently working to set up its ground infrastructure to begin commercial operations in India.
(With inputs from TOI)
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