BSNL Tests New Service To Send Messages Without SIM, Here's What We Know

In the test, a standard Android smartphone with non-terrestrial network (NTN) capability was used to send a message roughly 36,000 km to one of Viasat’s satellites.

At the recent India Mobile Congress, BSNL, the government-owned telecom provider, revealed a new logo and slogan, along with seven new services. One of these services could allow phone calls without needing a traditional SIM card. Known as “Direct to Device,” BSNL explains this service as a way to combine satellite and regular mobile networks to provide strong and reliable connectivity. Made in partnership with Viasat, BSNL demonstrated two-way satellite messaging at the event.

In the test, a standard Android smartphone with non-terrestrial network (NTN) capability was used to send a message roughly 36,000 km to one of Viasat’s satellites. Similar to satellite messaging on iPhones and high-end Android phones, D2D is designed to help in emergencies or natural disasters and can work on land, in the air, and at sea.

D2D connects by using current cellular networks and linking them to satellites, which act like large cell towers in space. This service could be very useful for people in areas with weak connectivity, especially helping those in rural and remote regions stay connected.

Competition Lies Ahead

In addition to BSNL, other leading telecom companies such as Airtel, Jio, and Vodafone-Idea are also reportedly working on introducing satellite connectivity services. These telecom giants are racing to bring satellite-based solutions to the market, aiming to improve internet access and mobile coverage in areas where traditional infrastructure is limited. However, they face intense competition from global players like Elon Musk's Starlink.

Musk’s company has already launched thousands of satellites into Earth's orbit, providing internet connectivity in various regions across the globe. Starlink’s rapid expansion into the satellite internet space has set a high bar, making it a formidable competitor for other telecom operators aiming to offer similar services.

In a recent move, Elon Musk directly addressed the ongoing discussions about the allocation of communication spectrum for satellite services in India. Musk called out Indian billionaires Mukesh Ambani and Sunil Bharti Mittal, questioning their demand for the auction of airwaves.

He referred to their request as "unprecedented," highlighting the tension surrounding the issue and the complex dynamics between global and local telecom players in the satellite communication industry. Musk's comments underscore the growing competition in the space and the strategic importance of satellite technology in shaping the future of global communications.