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DoT, Inmarsat ink pact on satellite phones

Satellite-based telephones will be fitted across India, under a new agreement between the Indian Department of Telecommunications and Inmarsat.

The memorandum of understanding for putting up a pilot project for telephonic connection with inaccessible areas of the country was signed by Telecom Commission Chairman A V Gokak and Inmarsat Director-General Warren Grace.

Gokak, who is also secretary, Department of Communications, said the agreement would help remove the many technological bottlenecks in communicating with remote areas and help link the country better.

Not needing physical connection through wires, the system calls for less installation and maintenance costs.

The Inmarsat satellite involved in such telecommunication is to be placed in a geostationary orbit over the Indian Ocean. About 100 phone terminals are planned in the first stage on a trial basis. Thereafter the DoT, with help from the Videsh Sanchar Nigam Limited and other organisations, expects to set up more terminals across the country, preferably using indigenous technology.

Already, Inmarsat terminals are working on the Rajdhani Express trains. DoT proposes to extend the facility to major public sector units like power projects.

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