Viasat in collaboration with BSNL successfully conducted a trial of direct-to-device satellite connectivity. This trial has become a matter of pride for India and has enabled SOS messaging on commercial Android smartphones. This technology will allow mobile phones, smartwatches and other devices to connect anywhere.
Satellite communication company Viasat has demonstrated direct-to-device (D2D) satellite connectivity. The special thing is that this trial was a journey and has also become a matter of great pride for India. In partnership with BSNL, Viasat has trialed satellite powered and SOS messaging on commercial Android smartphones. This trial was done during India Mobile Congress 2024. Both the companies have confirmed this in their joint statement. Viasat said, it is working with its partners, BSNL is in this list in India. Actually this entire trial has been done for satellite service customer and IoT device. This trial conducted by Viasat was two-way and SOS messaging. It was done on commercial Android smartphones. It was done for NTN connectivity. During the trial, it was transmitted from a distance of 36 thousand kilometers. The official release said, ‘The results show that cell phone connectivity is enabled using the Viasat satellite network and can be easily connected with its help. The special thing is that it can also be used for business purposes.’
Viasat further explains that direct-to-device connectivity is a completely new technology that helps connect mobile phones, smartwatches or cars-industrial machinery and transport operators to the satellite network. It helps in connecting all the devices, the special thing is that you can connect it from anywhere.
BSNL’s support-
Viasat said, ‘After partnership with BSNL, it has become easier for us to provide a better network. In such a situation, it does not matter whether it will be used for a person, device or vehicle.’ In such a situation, it can be said that this is going to be a very special network for India.