Brief Overview
- BSNL has launched a new phone for advanced connectivity.
- This phone works directly through the satellites to provide the best connectivity experience.
- Priced at INR 1.34 Lakh.
Have you ever heard of a keypad phone costing over INR 1 lakh? Recently, BSNL launched a satellite phone in India, and it is super costly despite its minimal design and features.
This BSNL phone costs INR 1,34,166. But here’s the catch. Unlike normal smartphones that need mobile towers to work, this device connects directly to satellites and works even without any cellular network.
Here is a detailed breakdown of whether the new BSNL satellite phone.
Why BSNL Designed This Phone
The concept behind this phone is Communication Beyond Boundaries, introduced by BSNL. It is designed to help people stay connected even in remote areas where traditional mobile network towers do not provide coverage.
The phone has been designed in collaboration with global satellite companies such as Inmarsat. Moreover, the company also made it clear that this phone is not for everyday use.
Instead, it is designed for a specific group of users, including defence forces, maritime workers, disaster response teams, mining companies, remote industrial workers, pilgrims travelling through isolated areas, and adventure travellers.
Most importantly, BSNL announced that people or organisations who want to buy or use this phone need prior approval from India’s Department of Telecommunications.
BSNL Satellite Phone Features
The device is built to survive harsh conditions and can withstand dust, water, and physical shocks. Despite its small screen and compact design, it is made from durable material and can run for several hours on a single charge.
Furthermore, the phone supports both voice calls and text messages over satellite and works fully independently of ground-based mobile towers.
It also has an SOS button, which can be very useful during emergencies or disasters when normal networks are down.
BSNL Satellite Phone Price in India
Buying the phone is just the first expense. Users also need to pay separately for calling plans.
For government agencies, BSNL offers a G1 plan for INR 3,500 per month, which includes 20 minutes of talk time and SMS. There is also a yearly GA plan for INR 38,500 that provides 240 minutes.
For commercial or private users, there is a C1 plan priced at INR 5,835 a month.
Is It Worth Buying
If we look at it in detail, this phone is not designed for an average person living in a city with a normal mobile network. With this pricing and the cost of the calling plans, a person could buy several high-end smartphones instead.
However, for people who work in places without any signal, like soldiers on remote borders, ship crews out at sea, rescue teams during floods or earthquakes, or miners working underground, this phone can be a lifesaver.
In such situations, being able to make one emergency call could matter more than the price.
BSNL itself admits that the phone is unlikely to see mass-market adoption, but says it plays a critical role for people who need connectivity in places where no other network can reach.
FAQs
What is the price of the BSNL satellite phone in India?
The BSNL satellite phone is priced at INR 1,34,166, including all taxes.
What is a satellite phone?
A satellite phone is a device that connects directly to satellites instead of mobile towers, making calling and messaging possible even in places with no regular network coverage.
How does the BSNL satellite phone work?
It uses Inmarsat’s satellite network to send and receive signals, allowing voice calls and SMS without relying on ground-based mobile towers. This makes it functional in remote areas like mountains, forests, deserts, and disaster-hit zones.
