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• It is mandatory to obtain government permission or license to use a satellite phone in India.
• Using a satellite phone without permission can result in fines or arrest, including confiscation of the phone.
• BSNL’s Inmarsat-based services have limited recognition and restrictions on networks like Thuraya and Iridium.

Satellite Phone: Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), India’s state-owned telecom company, launched a new satellite phone a few days ago. The company had launched this phone at a price of around Rs 1.34 lakh. After this satellite phone launched by the company, many discussions have started. Once again the use of satellite phones and the rules to them have come under discussion in India. In fact, satellite phones have not been completely banned in India. But to buy and use this phone one needs to follow strict government rules. But many people do not know what exactly these rules are.

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Global Satellite Phone Service

BSNL launched the Global Satellite Phone Service (GSPS) for the general public in January 2018. This service is based on the Inmarsat satellite network. Common mobile phones rely on mobile towers for calling and internet. But satellite phones are connected directly through satellite. This allows satellite phones to be used in remote mountainous regions, forests, deserts, oceans and disaster-prone areas where mobile networks are poor or unavailable. But permission is required to use this phone. You may not use this phone without permission. (Photo Courtesy – AI Created)

Using the phone without permission can be expensive

In fact the use of satellite phones in India is regulated by the Telecommunications Act, 2023 and the Indian Wireless Telegraphy Act, 1933. Any person is required to obtain a license or no objection certificate from the Department of Telecom to purchase or use a satellite phone. If a person brings or uses the phone in India without permission, the phone can be confiscated. Also the person concerned may also face legal action like fine or arrest. These rules are applicable not only for citizens of India but also for foreign travelers.

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Which satellite phones are allowed in India?

Presently the Inmarsat network based satellite service services launched by BSNL in India have been approved with certain regulations. Whereas Thuraya, Iridium and some other foreign satellite networks are not allowed in India. Satellite phones operating on such networks cannot be used without government permission.