Barren island, part of the Indian Union Territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Photo via Wikipedia

Novelsat has won a new backhaul contract with one of the largest telcos in India, the company announced March 17. The contract was awarded by System Integrator Precision Electronics (PEL) on behalf of BSNL, the Indian state-owned telecommunications company, to provide high capacity satellite-based connectivity for broadband and backhaul services under a Universal Service Obligation (USO) project funded by the Department of Telecommunications in India. The project is for connectivity in Lakshadweep, Andaman, and Nicobar Islands.

The telco will use Novelsat’s Xnet Data hub system to improve efficiency and flexibility within its growing network. Novelsat said Xnet is designed to support the growing needs of hub network operators and maximizes performance and usage of satellite and network resources. Utilizing Novelsat’s DynamiX technology for dynamic allocation of network resources in MCPC/Point-toMulti-Point networks on top of the waveform Novelsat NS4TM, can improve network economics, the company said.

BSNL is looking to increase its network capacity to address growing demand for broadband amidst sharp rise in data consumption across users and locations. PEL, along with its technology partner Novelsat have been tasked with addressing the BSNL requirement.  “BSNL’s network requires the highest levels of network quality and flexibility. Novelsat’s proven track record, combined with its leading-edge technology, allow us to rapidly expand our network and offer better services to our customers,” Sanjay Kumar, general manager of Radio at BSNL, said in a statement.

ST Engineering iDirect recently received a contract for the same USO project.

BSNL is getting more into the satellite space. In December last year, it announced in partnership with startup Skylo to deploy a satellite-based NB-IoT (Narrow Band-Internet of Things) network to aid industries such as fishing, agriculture, construction, mining and logistics. The solution developed by Skylo, will connect with BSNL’s satellite ground infrastructure and provide coverage across India, including the Indian seas.