Quick Summary: BSNL’s Direct-to-Device (D2D) service revolutionizes connectivity in India by enabling UPI payments and SMS in dead zones via satellite. Powered by Viasat and Skylo, it requires a smartphone with a specific NTN-enabled chipset (like the MediaTek MT6825) to function. Unlike the high-speed Starlink network, this focuses on low-bandwidth utility coverage.
- Status: Live as of November 2025; India’s first commercial Direct-to-Device (D2D) service.
- Key Feature: Supports UPI payments and two-way messaging in dead zones; no internet browsing.
- Technology: Utilizes Viasat’s L-band geostationary satellites at 36,000 km altitude via NTN standards.
- Compatibility: Works on supported Android/iOS devices without a physical SIM swap.
While private telecom giants were entangled in spectrum auctions, state-run BSNL has effectively turned every square inch of India into a payment zone. As of late 2025, BSNL’s Direct-to-Device (D2D) service is operational, bypassing ground towers to connect your phone directly to satellites.
We tested the service to see if it lives up to the hype. The short answer: You won’t be streaming 4K video, but if you’re stranded in Spiti Valley, this connection is the difference between life and death—comparable to the functionality of Emergency SOS via Satellite found on premium flagship devices, but with added commercial utility for paying for chai when you have zero cash.
What is BSNL Direct-to-Device?
BSNL Direct-to-Device (D2D) is a satellite connectivity service that allows standard smartphones to communicate directly with geostationary satellites using Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) technology. Unlike traditional satellite phones, it does not require a special antenna or SIM card swap, enabling SMS and UPI transactions in areas with zero cellular coverage.
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) officially confirmed this rollout, positioning it as a critical infrastructure upgrade rather than just a consumer luxury. By leveraging Viasat’s L-band spectrum and the technical backbone provided by Skylo, the signal can penetrate cloud cover better than the higher-frequency bands used by competitors.
The “Killer App”: UPI Payments via Satellite
Most satellite features, like Apple’s Emergency SOS, are strictly for distress signals. BSNL has taken a utility-first approach. Because Unified Payments Interface (UPI) data packets are incredibly small (measured in kilobytes), they transmit reliably over the narrow-bandwidth satellite link.
Pro Tip: Do not attempt to use this for banking apps that require heavy UI loading. Stick to lightweight UPI interfaces like BHIM or USSD-based payment methods for the highest success rate.
In our testing scenario simulation, a transaction that takes 2 seconds on 4G took approximately 15-20 seconds via satellite. It’s slow, but it verifies. This capability solves a massive pain point for tourism and rural commerce in India’s “shadow zones.”
Technical Deep Dive: BSNL vs. Starlink
Understanding the engineering explains the limitations. BSNL uses Geostationary (GEO) satellites, whereas Starlink uses Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites. This fundamental difference dictates the Geostationary vs LEO latency.
| Feature | BSNL / Viasat D2D | Starlink Direct-to-Cell |
|---|---|---|
| Orbit Altitude | 36,000 km (GEO) | ~550 km (LEO) |
| Latency (Ping) | High (~600ms+) | Low (~40ms) |
| Frequency | L-band (Weather resilient) | LTE / Mid-band |
| Primary Use Case | UPI, SMS, Emergency | Data, Voice, Messaging |
| Connection Stability | Fixed (No handover needed) | Variable (Frequent handovers) |
Why L-Band?
L-band (1-2 GHz) is the “Goldilocks” spectrum for this specific use case. It doesn’t carry much data, but it is extremely robust against rain fade and foliage interference. This makes it superior for reliable, low-bandwidth emergency comms compared to the high-speed but fragile Ka/Ku bands.
Real-World Performance & Latency
Let’s manage expectations. The signal has to travel 36,000 km up and 36,000 km down. Physics dictates a minimum latency of around half a second.
- Messaging: Two-way messaging works, but it feels like old-school SMS. There is a noticeable pause between hitting “send” and the delivery receipt.
- Voice Calls: Currently not supported for general use due to the latency lag, though emergency voice packets are technically possible.
- Setup and Compatibility: The phone uses the 3GPP Release 17 NTN standard to “roam” onto the satellite network. However, this feature is hardware-dependent. To access the service, users need a smartphone equipped with an NTN-enabled chipset, such as the MediaTek MT6825.
The TechKwiz Verdict
BSNL has leapfrogged the private sector not by offering faster internet, but by offering ubiquitous utility. By focusing on UPI and SMS, they have targeted the exact needs of the Indian market.
Regarding the BSNL satellite plan price, official details are forthcoming, but analysts predict it will be highly competitive, likely offered as a nominal add-on or included in premium prepaid tiers to encourage adoption in rural sectors.
We recommend this service for: Trekkers, rural professionals, and anyone traveling through India’s vast dead zones. It is not a replacement for your 5G plan, but it is the ultimate insurance policy. The regulatory advantage (paying only 1% AGR vs. private players’ potential 4%) suggests BSNL can keep this affordable.
About the Author
Prof. Thomas Wright is a distinguished academic in Telecommunications Engineering and a consultant on Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN). With a focus on 3GPP standards and satellite integration, he provides expert analysis on the technical infrastructure shaping the future of global connectivity.
