BSNL Satellite Phone Official in India: India’s state run telecom operator BSNL has once again put satellite phones in the spotlight after details about its Global Satellite Phone Service (GSPS). It includes handset pricing and a revised set of tariff plans picked up a lot of attention online. While many users thought the service was just recently launched, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has said that BSNL has been providing satellite phone services to regular customers and enterprises since January 1, 2018, with the updated tariff plans kicking in from January 1, 2026.
Why BSNL’s Satellite Phone is Different?
Unlike usual smartphones that rely on cellular towers, satellite phones communicate straight with satellites. Because of that, users can place calls and send messages even in places where there’s no terrestrial network coverage at all. This is why they become pretty useful for defence personnel, disaster response teams, deep sea fishermen, mountaineers, remote infrastructure operators, and travellers who end up in isolated regions.
Still, satellite phones are not really meant for day to day consumers, kind of an overkill for everyday use. Their high cost, strict government regulations and expensive usage plans mean they are primarily designed for specialised use cases.
BSNL Satellite Phone Official in India: Prices
One of the biggest talking points is the handset’s price. The BSNL satellite phone is priced at Rs 1,34,166, inclusive of taxes. The premium pricing reflects the specialised satellite communication hardware required to operate beyond conventional mobile networks.
BSNL Satellite Phone Plans
According to information tabled in Parliament by the Ministry of Communications, BSNL revised its Global Satellite Phone Service tariffs from January 1, 2026.
For commercial users, the postpaid Commercial C1 plan carries a monthly rental of ₹11,670, including 60 minutes or SMS. Prepaid commercial plans start at ₹5,835 per month, while an annual option costs ₹64,185. After the free usage is exhausted, additional voice calls and SMS are billed separately.
BSNL to Roll Out 4G and 5G-Ready SIM Platform Soon
What Services Does BSNL Offer?
BSNL’s Global Satellite Phone Service currently supports voice calls and SMS only. Mobile internet and data services are not part of the existing satellite phone offering.
The service operates under stringent guidelines issued by the Department of Telecommunications. Before activation, subscribers must complete the standard customer verification process and declare the intended purpose, location and duration of satellite phone usage. Communications are transmitted in encrypted form for enhanced security.
Are Satellite Phones Legal In India?
Yes, but they are strictly regulated. Indian authorities require satellite phone users to obtain approvals under DoT guidelines.
What the law says
- Section 6 of The Indian Wireless Telegraphy Act, 1933: It’s illegal to possess “any wireless telegraphy apparatus, other than a wireless transmitter, in contravention of the provisions of section 3 [of the Act]”.
- Section 3 of The Indian Wireless Telegraphy Act, 1933: No person shall possess wireless telegraphy apparatus” without a license “save as provided by Section 4.
- Section 4 of The Indian Wireless Telegraphy Act, 1933: It allows the central government to make rules under the Act to: “exempt any person or any class of persons from the provisions of this Act either generally or subject to prescribed conditions, or in respect of specified wireless telegraphy apparatus”.
These regulations stem from national security considerations and are among the strictest in the world.
