BSNL announced the launch of a satellite-based narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT) device service that can be used across India where mobile towers are not present, including the seas within the country’s jurisdiction.  

BSNL said it is the world’s first satellite-based narrowband-IoT network. The service has been launched in partnership with Skylo, which has developed the device for use in India.  

What is NB-IoT?

Narrowband internet of things (NB-IoT) is a cellular radio access technology based on Long-Term Evolution (LTE) introduced by Third-Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) for Low-Power Wide-Area Networks (LPWAN). This technology provides improved indoor coverage, support of massive number of low throughput devices, low delay sensitivity, ultra-low device cost, low device power consumption and optimised network architecture.

What are the highlights of this new device?

The device developed by Skylo will be provided only through BSNL at a price of around Rs 10,000. The device can be carried by users across any part of the country and connect with their smartphones for two-way communication. 

This new solution, which is indigenously developed by Skylo, will connect with BSNL’s satellite-ground infrastructure and provide pan India coverage, including seas.

The country will have access to a ubiquitous fabric of connectivity for millions of yet unconnected machines, sensors and industrial IoT devices.

How does the device work?

The device, the Skylo ‘user terminal’, interfaces with sensors and transmits data to the Skylo network and into users’ hands. The accompanying data platform provides an immersive experience for industry-specific applications on mobile or desktop. This new digital machine connectivity layer will serve as a complement to smartphone-centric mobile & Wi-Fi networks, and covers across India.

The technology has already been tested successfully in various segments, including Indian Railways, fishing vessels and for enabling connected vehicles across India. 

Successful POCs (proof of concepts) have already been conducted by BSNL and Skylo in India and we will soon approach various user groups before the New Year begins.

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