Viasat trials D2D with BSNL in India. Photo: Viasat via LinkedIn

Viasat reported Tuesday that it demonstrated direct-to-device satellite connectivity in India, working with Indian telecommunications provider BSNL. Engineers successfully demonstrated satellite-powered two-way messaging services for attendees at India Mobile Congress this week.  

During the trial, Viasat demonstrated two-way messaging and SoS messaging using a commercial Android smartphone enabled for non-terrestrial network (NTN) connectivity. The messages were sent via one of Viasat’s Geostationary L-band satellites. 

BSNL Chairman and Managing Director Robert J Ravi said this is the first demonstration of its kind in India. It “showcases the potential to enhance direct communications for critical services, disaster recovery, and even rural connectivity across India using the BSNL network and Viasat’s L-band satellite constellation,” Ravi said in a news release. 

Viasat is currently working with its partners including BSNL in India to bring satellite services to consumer and IoT devices, including through the Mobile Satellite Services Association (MSSA). 

“D2D could help reduce barriers to accessing satellite connectivity – particularly in India where millions do not have access to reliable terrestrial connectivity,” said Viasat CTO Sandeep Moorthy. “In the future, D2D could help transform the Indian production and supply chain to become more efficient, more sustainable and safer, and support automotive applications to enhance safety and conditions-based maintenance.”