BSNL Launches Satellite Phone Service in Madurai at ₹1.4 Lakh
BSNL has introduced satellite phone services in its Madurai Business Area, opening a new communication channel for government offices and individuals in remote locations. The state-owned telecom operator has already sold 10 such handsets, according to BSNL Principal General Manager P. Loganathan.
Addressing the media on Thursday, Mr. Loganathan said each satellite phone handset costs ₹1.4 lakh. The device operates on the Inmarsat satellite network and comes with a unique SIM card, enabling voice calls to and from all landline and mobile networks.
The district administrations of Ramanathapuram and Sivaganga have already purchased the new telecommunication equipment. The service is aimed at officials from the Forest and Fisheries departments, as well as individuals living in remote villages. For indoor usage, a docking station is required, and the phone provides domestic service with the ability to work at sea up to 14 knots.
The satellite phone supports SMS and email messaging, along with GPS tracking, making it a useful tool for navigation and coordination in areas with no conventional mobile network. The monthly charge for government sector users is ₹3,816, while individuals will pay ₹6,362 per month. Call charges for government users are ₹18 per minute, which drops to ₹12 per minute during disasters. For other users, the per-minute charge is ₹25.
Those interested in learning more about the satellite phone service can contact 94861-04260.
In a related development, Mr. Loganathan said the Madurai Business Area, which covers six southern districts, has received 1,014 4G towers, including 34 towers set up in remote areas of Dindigul and Sivaganga districts under the Universal Service Obligation Fund. He added that BSNL has provided 5,000 mobile connections to 2,920 villages in remote locations.
To promote its 4G services, BSNL is offering SIM cards at ₹1 under the Freedom 2.0 plan in connection with the 80th Independence Day. The offer will be available for a month until September 9. The SIM cards, with a validity of 24 days, provide 1 GB of data, 100 SMS per day, and unlimited free voice calls.
