Government run telephone communication organisation BSNL has recently announced that it is in talks with the International Maritime Organisation to soon roll out satellite phone services for all citizens which can work at any corner of the country and also, during any natural calamities.

With this move, which, according to BSNL, may take around 18 to 24 months to be implemented, the telecom organisation will be able to provide uninterrupted network service to all citizens, whether they are in a flight or a ship.

“We have applied to International Maritime Organisation. It will take some time to complete the process. In 18-24 months, we will be in a position to open satellite phones service for citizens in a phased manner,” said Anupam Shrivastava, BSNL Chairman and Managing Director.

To start with, BSNL has rolled out this service to government agencies handling disasters, state police, railways, Border Security Force (BSF) and others. This service is being said to have been possible with the help of INMARSAT service.

While these possibilities definitely excite us, the only catch is that the service will be priced anywhere between Rs 30 and Rs 35 per minute! However, BSNL has assured that when the service is actually rolled out to common man, the communication device will not be as huge as they are now, and also, the price may come down due to the change in the market. Accordingly, by then, the size of these devices will also be almost as much as a regular mobile phone.

Shrivastava has added, "The number of satellite phone connections in India is very little but once we open it for citizens, the whole dynamics in the market will change. The volumes will bring down the cost of service. We are charging only Re 1 over the cost that satellite firm will bill to us."

TAGS: Satellite Phone Service, BSNL