Does India Have Any Satellite Phone Companies?

India does have several satellite phone service providers, catering to various needs, from remote areas to international communication. These companies offer a vital service in regions where traditional mobile networks are unavailable. Let's explore the landscape of satellite phone service providers in India.

BSNL and ISRO Partnership

One of the prominent players in India's satellite phone market is BSNL (Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited). BSNL provides satellite communication services in partnership with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

BSNL ISRO Partnership: Purpose: To offer satellite phone services in remote and inaccessible areas of India. Impact: BSNL's services are particularly useful for ensuring communication in remote regions, enhancing the emergency response capabilities in such areas.

Global Satellite Phone Providers in India

Several global satellite phone providers also offer services in India. These companies have a broad reach and cater to a wide range of users, including those in remote parts of India.

INMARSAT: Description: Operates globally, providing satellite phone services accessible in India. Relevance: With its global network, INMARSAT ensures consistent and reliable communication even in the most remote parts of the country.

International Providers in India

Iridium: Description: Offers services in India. Global Presence: Iridium has a vast global network, making it a popular choice for international travelers and businesses requiring reliable communication. Thuraya: Description: Also provides services in India. Highlights: Thuraya offers services with a unique combination of global reach and local support, catering to both business and individual users.

Historical Context and National Security Concerns

Before 2014, the Indian defense agency used INMARSAT UK terminals, which were manufactured in the UK. However, due to lacking a satellite gateway in India, all calls were routed through a gateway in Sweden, posing a risk to national security. To mitigate this, INMARSAT and Indian engineers initiated a project for the Research and Development (RD) of a new satellite terminal. This terminal, designed to be used in Indian territories, would automatically connect to Channel 78, routing calls through a Satellite Gateway in Gaziabad, UP. The design, hardware aspects, and testing were provided by SASKEN Technology, a Bangalore-based company.

Project Overview: Objectives: To create a terminal that would route calls through a local satellite gateway, reducing the risk of national security threats. Outcome: SASKEN played a crucial role in providing the required terminal to the global market, with many ISATPhone2 users unaware that their product was manufactured by an Indian company and marketed by INMARSAT India.

Conclusion

Satellite phone companies make their money globally due to the need for scale. Regardless of the provider, they ensure reliable communication in areas where traditional networks fall short. While there are no Indian satellite phone companies offering services within India, the partnership between BSNL and ISRO, along with the global presence of INMARSAT, Iridium, and Thuraya, ensure that India's communication needs are well catered to.