Technical News Office BSNL has successfully completed the trial of Direct-to-Device (D2D) technology in collaboration with global satellite communications company Visat. Now users will be able to make audio-video calls even without a SIM card or network. This new technology from the government telecommunications company will provide connectivity to users on their Android or iOS smartphones as well as their smart watches or other smart devices.
This technology developed by BSNL and Visat Communication will provide the user with the facility to make calls without network in case of emergency. However, other telecom operators Airtel, Jio and Vodafone-Idea are also working on their satellite connectivity service. Airtel also showcased its satellite internet service at the India Mobile Congress 2024. BSNL also successfully tested its direct-to-device service at this tech mega-event.
What is direct to device service?
Direct-to-device is a connectivity service based on satellite communications, in which one device can be connected to another device without mobile towers or wires. Like satellite phones, this technology is used to establish communication with smartphones, smart watches or other smart gadgets. Two-way and SOS messaging was observed in this trial conducted by BSNL and Viasat. This test was carried out on a commercial Android smartphone with NTN connectivity installed. In this trial conducted by the government telecommunications company, phone calls were made via the satellite network at a distance of 36,000 kilometers. The company shared this information in its official statement.
According to Viasat, direct-to-device connectivity is a brand new technology that allows a mobile phone, smart watch or car to be connected to the satellite network. The particularity of this technology is that it does not matter whether the communication is used for a person or for a device. The government will soon allocate spectrum for satellite Internet service. After spectrum allocation, Airtel, Jio, BSNL, Vi along with Elon Musk’s Starlink will be able to provide satellite internet service in India.
Share this story