BSNL launches satelite voice calls

NEW DELHI, MAY 25: A good news from telecom operator. Government-owned Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has launched voice services over satellite in India.

These satellites will allow connectivity in remote areas and nearby sea. Initially, these services will be limited to government agencies such as defense forces, PSUs, and disaster management.

The satellite and connecting gateway will be set up by satellite Inmarsat which is an UK based satellite service provider. The services will be available on satellite phones that are imported into the country.

Telecom minister Manoj Sinha said that "initially we would test the service with government employees later we would offer it to private citizens". The company said that this new satellite services would reduce the voice call costs by half to around Rs 30-35 a minute.

In the second phase, data services are expected to be launched on satellite and will be opened up for common users. Finally, the company said that common person must wait till the second phase so that they can avail the services.

Let's hope that the services would be available soon to the customers.