Imagine making a phone call from the middle of the ocean, deep inside a forest or high in the Himalayas without a single mobile tower nearby. That is exactly what BSNL's new satellite phone is designed to do.The state-run telecom company has launched the handset in India for Rs 1,34,166 (including taxes). While the price is far higher than even premium smartphones, the device serves a completely different purpose. Instead of connecting to nearby 4G or 5G towers, it communicates directly with satellites orbiting the Earth.The phone is meant for users who need reliable communication where conventional mobile networks cannot reach.<h2>Why does it cost so much?</h2>Unlike regular smartphones, satellite phones require specialised hardware that can communicate with satellites thousands of kilometres above Earth.The handset also relies on global satellite communication networks such as Inmarsat, allowing it to make voice calls even in remote mountains, deserts, forests and offshore locations. Building and maintaining satellite communication infrastructure is significantly more expensive than operating conventional cellular networks. The smaller number of users also means production volumes remain low, increasing the cost of each device.<h2>Who is it designed for?</h2>BSNL says the satellite phone is aimed at professionals and organisations operating in areas without mobile coverage. Potential users include defence personnel, disaster response teams, maritime workers, miners, remote industrial operators, researchers, mountaineers and pilgrims travelling through isolated regions. It also includes an SOS emergency feature, making it useful during natural disasters or rescue operations when conventional telecom networks may fail.<figure class="image"><img src="https://akm-img-a-in.tosshub.com/indiatoday/styles/medium_crop_simple/public/2026-07/screenshot_2026-07-09_140955.png?VersionId=NXtmAZeT6dHYUrFZ8AzgJQlp3gdVLSR.&amp;size=750:*" alt="BSNL satellite phone"></figure><h2>Can anyone buy it?</h2>Not immediately. Satellite phones are tightly regulated in India because of national security concerns. Before purchasing or using the device, users must obtain permission from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT). Using an unauthorised satellite phone can attract legal action under Indian telecom regulations.<h2>More than just a phone</h2>The launch comes as BSNL continues expanding its regular mobile network across India. The company recently announced that it has commissioned nearly 99,000 4G sites, with plans to expand coverage further.However, even thousands of mobile towers cannot reach every corner of the country. That is where satellite communication becomes important.For most people, a smartphone remains the right choice. But for those working where there is no mobile signal, BSNL's satellite phone offers something no ordinary handset can communication when everything else goes offline.

BSNL has launched a ₹1.34 lakh satellite phone that works without mobile towers by connecting directly to satellites. Built for remote areas, emergencies and critical operations, the handset requires prior approval from the Department of Telecommunications before it can be purchased or used.


Imagine making a phone call from the middle of the ocean, deep inside a forest or high in the Himalayas without a single mobile tower nearby. That is exactly what BSNL's new satellite phone is designed to do. The state-run telecom company has launched the handset in India for Rs 1,34,166 (including taxes). While the price is far higher than even premium smartphones, the device serves a completely different purpose. Instead of connecting to nearby 4G or 5G towers, it communicates directly with satellites orbiting the Earth. The phone is meant for users who need reliable communication where conventional mobile networks cannot reach. Why does it cost so much? Unlike regular smartphones, satellite phones require specialised hardware that can communicate with satellites thousands of kilometres above Earth. The handset also relies on global satellite communication networks such as Inmarsat, allowing it to make voice calls even in remote mountains, deserts, forests and offshore locations. Building and maintaining satellite communication infrastructure is significantly more expensive than operating conventional cellular networks. The smaller number of users also means production volumes remain low, increasing the cost of each device. Who is it designed for? BSNL says the satellite phone is aimed at professionals and organisations operating in areas without mobile coverage. Potential users include defence personnel, disaster response teams, maritime workers, miners, remote industrial operators, researchers, mountaineers and pilgrims travelling through isolated regions. It also includes an SOS emergency feature, making it useful during natural disasters or rescue operations when conventional telecom networks may fail. Can anyone buy it? Not immediately. Satellite phones are tightly regulated in India because of national security concerns. Before purchasing or using the device, users must obtain permission from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT). Using an unauthorised satellite phone can attract legal action under Indian telecom regulations. More than just a phone The launch comes as BSNL continues expanding its regular mobile network across India. The company recently announced that it has commissioned nearly 99,000 4G sites, with plans to expand coverage further. However, even thousands of mobile towers cannot reach every corner of the country. That is where satellite communication becomes important. For most people, a smartphone remains the right choice. But for those working where there is no mobile signal, BSNL's satellite phone offers something no ordinary handset can communication when everything else goes offline.

BSNL has launched a ₹1.34 lakh satellite phone that works without mobile towers by connecting directly to satellites. Built for remote areas, emergencies and critical operations, the handset requires prior approval from the Department of Telecommunications before it can be purchased or used.

No signal? No problem: How BSNL's satellite phone works without mobile towers

Srinagar: A United States national was detained at the Srinagar International Airport on Sunday after security personnel discovered a prohibited satellite communication device in his possession, officials said.&nbsp;According to authorities, two individuals, identified as Jeoffery Scott and Haldar Kaushik, were intercepted during routine security screening procedures. Jeoffery Scott, a resident of Montana, USA, was found carrying a Garmin satellite tracker, a device that is restricted under local regulations.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-there-will-be-consequences-india-warns-iran-after-attack-on-2-tankers-in-hormuz-1776597009259">‘There will be consequences,’ India warns Iran after attack on 2 tankers in Hormuz</a>&nbsp;Security agencies took the individual into custody for questioning, while his accompanying friend was allowed to proceed as he was not found in possession of any prohibited items.&nbsp;Officials reiterated that the use and possession of satellite phones and related communication devices are strictly regulated in the Kashmir region. Use of such equipment requires prior authorisation from authorities, and unauthorised possession is considered a violation of law.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-military-prepares-to-board-and-seize-iran-linked-tankers-commercial-ships-report-1776533563334">US military prepares to board and seize Iran-linked tankers, commercial ships: Report</a>&nbsp;The incident highlights ongoing enforcement measures at the airport, where security agencies remain vigilant in monitoring compliance with regulations governing restricted communication devices.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/india-summons-iranian-envoy-lodges-formal-protest-over-gunfire-on-indian-vessels-in-hormuz-1776523917375">India summons Iranian envoy, lodges formal protest over gunfire on Indian vessels in Hormuz</a>&nbsp;Satellite phones are strictly regulated in India and cannot be used without prior government approval. Any unauthorised possession of satellite communication devices can lead to detention, seizure and possible legal action under the Indian Telegraph Act and related security provisions, as India maintains tight telecom restrictions due to security concerns.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indian-tanker-among-vessels-shot-at-by-iranian-gunboats-in-strait-of-hormuz-reports-1776514445896">Indian tanker among vessels shot at by Iranian gunboats in Strait of Hormuz: Reports</a>

Jeoffery Scott, a resident of Montana, USA, was found carrying a Garmin satellite tracker, a device that is restricted under local regulations. Security agencies took Scott into custody for questioning, while his friend was allowed to proceed, as no prohibited item was found on him.

Srinagar: A United States national was detained at the Srinagar International Airport on Sunday after security personnel discovered a prohibited satellite communication device in his possession, officials said. According to authorities, two individuals, identified as Jeoffery Scott and Haldar Kaushik, were intercepted during routine security screening procedures. Jeoffery Scott, a resident of Montana, USA, was found carrying a Garmin satellite tracker, a device that is restricted under local regulations. Also Read: ‘There will be consequences,’ India warns Iran after attack on 2 tankers in Hormuz Security agencies took the individual into custody for questioning, while his accompanying friend was allowed to proceed as he was not found in possession of any prohibited items. Officials reiterated that the use and possession of satellite phones and related communication devices are strictly regulated in the Kashmir region. Use of such equipment requires prior authorisation from authorities, and unauthorised possession is considered a violation of law. Also Read: US military prepares to board and seize Iran-linked tankers, commercial ships: Report The incident highlights ongoing enforcement measures at the airport, where security agencies remain vigilant in monitoring compliance with regulations governing restricted communication devices. Also Read: India summons Iranian envoy, lodges formal protest over gunfire on Indian vessels in Hormuz Satellite phones are strictly regulated in India and cannot be used without prior government approval. Any unauthorised possession of satellite communication devices can lead to detention, seizure and possible legal action under the Indian Telegraph Act and related security provisions, as India maintains tight telecom restrictions due to security concerns. Also Read: Indian tanker among vessels shot at by Iranian gunboats in Strait of Hormuz: Reports

Jeoffery Scott, a resident of Montana, USA, was found carrying a Garmin satellite tracker, a device that is restricted under local regulations. Security agencies took Scott into custody for questioning, while his friend was allowed to proceed, as no prohibited item was found on him.

US national detained at Srinagar International Airport for carrying satellite phone

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No signal? No problem: How BSNL's satellite phone works without mobile towers

US national carrying satellite phone detained at Srinagar International Airport