Hindustan TimesIndependentCenter5 hr. agoBharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), a state-owned telecommunications company in India, has launched a satellite phone priced at ₹1.34 lakh. This device allows users to make voice calls in remote areas where traditional mobile networks are unavailable. Unlike standard mobile phones, satellite phones connect directly to satellites rather than relying on cellular towers. The technology uses either Low Earth Orbit (LEO) or Geosynchronous Earth Orbit (GEO) satellites to relay signals to ground stations, enabling communication in regions with poor coverage, during emergencies, or in disaster scenarios. However, the use of satellite phones in India is tightly regulated due to national security concerns. Under the Telecommunications Act 2023, individuals require a license or a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Department of Telecommunications to legally use such devices. These restrictions were intensified following the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, when attackers reportedly used satellite phones to coordinate with handlers abroad. Additionally, foreign nationals entering India with satellite phones must declare them at customs.
Bias read (Center): The article discusses the technical specifications and regulatory framework surrounding BSNL's satellite phone. There is no overt political framing, bias, or emphasis on any particular ideological stance. The content remains focused on technological capabilities and legal requirements without taking
Hindustan TimesIndependentCenter20 hr. ago BSNL launches satellite phone priced at ₹1.34 lakh: Who can buy it and what makes it special?Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), a state-owned telecom provider in India, has introduced a high-end satellite phone priced at ₹1.34 lakh (approximately $1,700 USD). The device is marketed as a specialized tool for use in 'challenging environments' such as defense, maritime operations, disaster response, and remote locations where traditional mobile networks are unavailable. BSNL emphasizes features like satellite connectivity, voice calls anywhere, emergency support, and long battery life. However, the use of satellite phones in India is tightly regulated due to national security concerns. Under the Telecommunications Act 2023, operating a satellite phone requires a license or a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT). The restrictions stem from past incidents, including the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, where terrorists used satellite phones to evade surveillance. Foreign nationals must declare satellite phones upon entry, with potential legal consequences for non-compliance.
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information about BSNL's new satellite phone and the regulatory framework surrounding its use in India. While it highlights national security concerns and historical incidents involving terrorism, it does not take a clear ideological stance. The framing remains objective
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