State-owned telecom operator Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) and American satellite communications company Viasat announced a significant partnership on Friday. The two companies will jointly support the next phase of the Indian Navy's satellite communications modernization program. Implementation of this crucial upgrade is scheduled to begin later this month.
Strategic Partnership for Modern Naval Communications
Under an agreement signed between BSNL and the Indian defense forces, Viasat will deploy its high-capacity Ka-band satellite systems alongside existing L-band infrastructure. This combination aims to provide secure and resilient connectivity for various Indian naval platforms. The official statement confirmed that Viasat's international government team will support the program through its Communication Services segment.
Enhanced Connectivity for Mission-Critical Operations
Todd McDonell, president of International Government at Viasat, emphasized the strategic importance of this upgrade. He stated that combining the resilience of L-band with the power of high-throughput Ka-band will provide enhanced connectivity for mission-critical naval operations. McDonell further noted that this initiative reinforces Viasat's long-term commitment to India's defense and maritime communication ecosystem.
The upgrade specifically aims to help the Indian Navy transition toward a multi-band, multi-constellation satellite communications architecture. This advanced approach is expected to significantly improve coverage, throughput, and reliability by integrating BSNL's Gateway Earth Station capabilities with Viasat's global satellite network.
Installation Activities Set to Begin
Viasat India managing director Gautam Sharma confirmed that the necessary equipment has already arrived in India. Installation activities are set to begin this month, marking what Sharma described as an important step forward in their ongoing collaboration with BSNL and the Indian defense forces.
Robert Ravi, chairman and managing director of BSNL, expressed pride in supporting the Indian Navy's satellite communications modernization through this partnership with Viasat. He emphasized that this upgrade reflects BSNL's vital role in strengthening India's strategic communications infrastructure.
Operational Flexibility Through Dual-Band Systems
Officials explained that using both L-band and Ka-band systems will provide greater operational flexibility for naval communications. While L-band offers reliable performance in challenging weather conditions, Ka-band delivers the higher data rates required for modern naval communication needs. This dual approach ensures robust connectivity across various operational scenarios.
Viasat's Established Presence in India
The statement highlighted Viasat's long-term role as a technology partner to the Indian government. The company has been providing satellite communication services across both civilian and strategic domains for years. Their work in India includes supporting disaster response networks, tsunami early warning systems operated by the National Institute of Ocean Technology, vessel tracking for the directorate general of shipping, and aeronautical connectivity for private and government aircraft.
This latest collaboration represents another significant step in Viasat's expanding relationship with Indian defense and strategic sectors. The company continues to demonstrate its commitment to supporting India's technological advancement and security infrastructure through practical partnerships and innovative solutions.
