Mangaluru: Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) satellite phone services have received a strong response in Mangaluru, particularly among fishermen and people working in areas where conventional communication networks are unavailable, according to BSNL Mangaluru division general manager Hemanth Sadashiva Borale.

Speaking at a press conference, Borale said the newly introduced satellite phone service is proving useful in remote locations where mobile networks, broadband connectivity and land-based communication facilities are either unavailable or unreliable.

The service is expected to play an important role in emergency communication, disaster management and operations in difficult terrains. In Mangaluru, the service has emerged as a particularly useful communication facility for fishermen who often operate in areas where conventional mobile connectivity may not be available.

More than 20 apply for satellite phone connections

Borale said more than 20 people in Mangaluru had applied for satellite phone connections under the new service.

The verification process for these applications is currently in its final stages, he added.

Satellite communication can provide connectivity in locations where terrestrial networks are difficult to establish or maintain. This makes the technology particularly relevant for fishermen, emergency response teams and people working in remote or geographically challenging areas.

For the fishing community, reliable communication is important for maintaining contact with the shore and responding to emergencies while at sea. The availability of satellite-based communication could therefore provide an additional layer of connectivity for those operating beyond the reliable reach of conventional mobile networks.

Rural broadband network expands

BSNL is also strengthening broadband connectivity in rural areas of the Mangaluru division through the Bharat Net Udyami (BNU) scheme.

Borale said 35 BNU partners are currently working with BSNL in the Mangaluru division. These partners have established 88 Optical Line Terminals (OLTs) in rural areas and provided more than 5,000 Fibre-to-the-Home (FTTH) connections.

The expansion has helped improve broadband availability in rural parts of the division, with connectivity reaching areas of Sullia and Kadaba.

The initiative is aimed at extending high-speed internet access beyond urban centres and making digital connectivity more accessible to rural households and businesses.

Improved broadband infrastructure can also support online education, digital services, banking, e-commerce and other internet-based activities in rural communities.

BSNL focuses on 4G expansion

Borale said BSNL is continuing to expand its 4G network while placing emphasis on improving the quality of services provided to customers.

He said the BSNL 4G network would serve as a foundation for the evolution of 5G services and contribute to India’s efforts towards greater self-reliance in telecommunications technology.

The expansion of the 4G network is also expected to help BSNL improve its reach in rural areas and provide customers with better mobile connectivity.

According to Borale, the number of BSNL customers is increasing, while measures are being taken to ensure that service quality improves, particularly in rural regions.

The company’s focus on expanding network infrastructure comes at a time when reliable mobile and internet connectivity has become increasingly important for households, businesses and government services.

BSNL launches Re 1 SIM offer

As part of its Independence Day promotions, BSNL has introduced a new SIM card for just Re 1.

The offer began on August 12 and will remain available until September 12.

Under the promotional plan, customers will receive unlimited voice calls, 1 GB of data per day and 100 SMS per day for a validity period of 24 days.

The promotional SIM offer is being launched to mark India’s 80th Independence Day and is intended to attract new customers to the BSNL network.

The company has also announced an annual plan priced at ₹2,399. According to the details shared by BSNL, the plan provides an additional 47 days of validity over the standard 365-day period.

Special FTTH offer for new customers

BSNL is also offering a promotional scheme for new FTTH customers as part of its Independence Day celebrations.

The offer began on August 1 and is available for 90 days. It applies to all telecom circles except Kerala.

In Karnataka, the promotion is applicable to customers subscribing to the Fiber Basic plan, which carries a fixed monthly charge of ₹499.

Under the offer, the calendar month in which a new customer obtains an FTTH connection will be completely free. Customers will then receive a ₹100 discount for each of the following three months.

The promotional scheme is aimed at encouraging more customers to adopt BSNL’s fibre broadband services and expand the company’s FTTH customer base.

Focus on connectivity and customer growth

BSNL’s initiatives in Mangaluru cover multiple areas of telecommunications, ranging from satellite communication and rural broadband to 4G mobile connectivity and fibre internet services.

The growing demand for satellite phones indicates the importance of alternative communication systems in sectors such as fishing, emergency response and disaster management. At the same time, the expansion of FTTH services under the Bharat Net Udyami scheme is helping extend broadband connectivity to rural parts of Dakshina Kannada.

The company’s 4G expansion and promotional schemes are also aimed at attracting customers while improving its competitiveness in the telecommunications sector.

The press conference was attended by BSNL officials including Krishna Mogera, V.G.V., Mamatha and others.

With satellite communication gaining traction among fishermen, rural broadband networks expanding and 4G infrastructure being strengthened, BSNL is seeking to broaden its connectivity footprint in Mangaluru and surrounding areas. The Independence Day promotional offers are expected to further support efforts to increase its customer base and encourage greater adoption of its telecom and broadband services.