BSNL has completed the successful trial of Direct-to-Device (D2D) technology in collaboration with global satellite communication company Visat. Users will now be able to make audio-video calling even without any SIM card and network. This new technology from the government telecom company will provide connectivity to users on their Android or iOS smartphones as well as smartwatches or other smart devices.
This technology developed by BSNL and Viasat Communication will provide the facility of calling without network to the users in case of emergency. However, other telecom operators Airtel, Jio and Vodafone-idea are also working on their satellite connectivity services. Airtel has also given a demo of its satellite internet service during India Mobile Congress 2024. BSNL has also successfully trialled its direct-to-device service in this mega tech event.
What is direct-to-device service?
Direct-to-device is a connectivity service based on satellite communication, in which one device can be connected to another without any mobile tower or wire. Like satellite phones, this technology is used to establish communication with smartphones, smartwatches or other smart gadgets.
In this trial conducted by BSNL and Viasat, two-way and SOS messaging was tried. This trial was conducted on a commercial Android smartphone with NTN connectivity installed. In this trial conducted by the government telecom company, a phone call was made using satellite network from a distance of 36 thousand kilometers. The company has shared this information in its official release.
According to Viasat, direct-to-device connectivity is a completely new technology that helps mobile phones, smartwatches or cars to connect to the satellite network. The special thing about this technology is that it does not matter whether the communication is used for a person or a device. The government is soon going to allocate spectrum for satellite internet service. After spectrum allocation, Airtel, Jio, BSNL, Vi as well as Elon Musk's Starlink will be able to provide satellite internet service in India.
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