BSNL has been offering its Global Satellite Phone Service (GSPS) for voice and SMS since January 1, 2018, with a device priced at Rs 1,34,166, according to a recent social media post and a Lok Sabha reply by Union Minister of Communications Jyotiraditya Scindia. The service targets users in challenging environments such as defence, maritime, disaster response, mining, and remote operations, providing satellite-based voice and SMS connectivity.
The BSNL satellite phone is a dedicated handset featuring a physical antenna that must be extended before use, unlike conventional smartphones with built-in antennas. It uses a separate SIM card and phone number, connecting directly to geostationary satellites for communication. Telecom expert Parag Kar explained in a YouTube video that this device is a conventional satellite phone, distinct from newer satellite connectivity solutions integrated into smartphones. BSNL’s GSPS predates recent satellite initiatives by companies like Jio, Airtel, Starlink, and VI-AST Space Mobile.
The BSNL satellite phone service fills a niche for reliable communication in remote and difficult terrains where terrestrial networks are unavailable. While newer satellite connectivity efforts aim to integrate with standard smartphones and offer data services, BSNL’s offering remains focused on voice and SMS. This positions BSNL’s service as a specialized solution for sectors requiring dependable satellite communication, such as defence and disaster response, in contrast to emerging commercial satellite internet services.
BSNL’s Global Satellite Phone Service has been operational for over eight years, providing voice and SMS connectivity without data services. The device’s price and dedicated hardware differentiate it from newer satellite communication technologies entering the Indian market.