New Delhi: Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has got a license to provide internet to people traveling on airplanes. Not only this, but BSNL will also connect the passengers of sea-going ships. The special thing is that the company will be able to provide connectivity not only in the sea and sky of India but also at the global level. BSNL’s strategic partner and global mobile satellite communications player Inmarsat confirmed that the telco has received the necessary license to provide Inmarsat’s Global Express (GX) mobile broadband services in India. Under the Inflight and Maritime Connectivity (IFMC) license, the GX will be available to Indian customers in the government, aviation, and maritime sectors.
Digitization will get a boost
Along with deploying GX flights for in-flight connectivity, India’s commercial maritime companies will also be able to enhance the digitization of their ships for effective ship operations and crew welfare services. BSNL’s license will also ensure that the GX service is provided to the government as well as other users. There will be a phased launch of services for customers and partners.
PK Purwar, Chairman and Managing Director, BSNL said, “Global Express is recognized as the world’s best high-speed satellite communication service for government and mobility business customers and we are committed to making these capabilities available to users in India. Very happy to do it.
When will this service be available?
Inmarsat CEO Rajeev Suri said that they are committed to India and the recent developments will help them underpin the further economic growth they want to see in India. At the same time, Ajay Singh, Chairman, and Managing Director, SpiceJet said, “When we introduce our new Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, we hope to provide this unprecedented connectivity service to the passengers.
Notably, based in Ghaziabad, UP, GX operates in Ka-band and is a high-speed broadband network, designed for mobility and government customers. The service delivers the high bandwidth, reliability, and security that commercial and government-grade mobility customers demand. The company is also launching seven more GZ satellites in the next three years.
