Why BSNL’s Rs 1.34 Lakh Satellite Phone Costs More Than an iPhone 17 Pro – And Why It Still Makes Sense
BSNL’s satellite phone available at Rs 1.34 lakh was met with astonishment from people when they learnt that it is more expensive than Apple’s new iPhone 17 Pro. But it is unfair to compare these gadgets since they serve totally different purposes. The satellite phone can be likened to an off-road rescue vehicle while the smartphone is more of a luxury sports car. As such, they are designed to perform different tasks. While a smartphone seeks to entertain and enhance communication and productivity, the satellite phone serves in situations where mobile phone services cannot be provided. Let us have a look at some of the key features of the satellite phone.
What is the BSNL Satellite Phone?
The BSNL Satellite Phone is one of the devices used by BSNL in its Global Satellite Phone Service (GSPS). This is a communications technology that is designed for use in those places where normal mobile communications network cannot reach. While ordinary mobile phones make use of nearby mobile towers for communicating, this phone is made in such a way that it communicates through satellites that are present overhead. Provided there is no obstruction between the device and the sky, this phone allows voice calling and SMS in remote locations such as mountains, forests, deserts, seas, or disaster affected regions where there is no telecommunications network. The phone is designed with a sturdy exterior in order to survive extreme environmental conditions. There is an SOS emergency button provided in the phone which can be used to seek help. The purpose of launching this phone by BSNL is mainly for use by armed forces, rescue teams, sailors, mining companies, industries in remote locations, pilgrims and adventurous travelers. It is not a substitute to a smartphone but only a communication device.
Why is BSNL Satellite Phone So Expensive Than the iPhone 17 Pro?
At first, it looks like a waste of money to buy a phone that does not have the latest features, including touchscreen, camera, and others at the cost of Rs 1.34 lakh. But the reason for the higher cost of the phone is due to the high-tech used in the phone for satellite communication. Unlike other cell phones that operate using nearby cellular towers, the satellite phone connects directly with the satellites provided by the global company, such as Inmarsat. For this purpose, it needs high-tech antennas, high-power radio transmitters, advanced communication chipsets, and robust engineering for long-distance communications. The quantity in which the satellite phones are made is much lower compared to other cell phones, thus increasing their manufacturing costs. Moreover, the testing and certification of these phones for reliable working in harsh conditions is also very important. Apart from the phone, there is an additional cost involved, i.e., the cost of subscribing to satellite communication service plans, which are much more expensive than ordinary mobile communication plans.
Difference Between BSNL Satellite Phone and iPhone 17 Pro
Despite the fact that the BSNL satellite phone is costlier than the Apple iPhone 17 Pro, both phones are designed for very different purposes. The iPhone 17 Pro is an advanced smartphone meant for normal activities like taking photos, entertainment, browsing, productivity, etc. In some countries, it can even be used for Emergency SOS via satellite communication that allows the user to connect with emergency services or share one’s location in the absence of cellular and Wi-Fi network connections. But this function cannot be used for normal conversations as it is only available in emergency scenarios. On the contrary, the BSNL satellite phone is a dedicated satellite communication device that enables the user to make voice calls and send messages via satellites without the need for any mobile towers. It is especially designed to be used consistently in places where there are no terrestrial networks available. It would be unfair to compare these two phones just based on their prices because they have been made with completely different purposes in mind.
Whom Can Get the BSNL Satellite Phone, And is it Worth Purchasing?
Even though the phone is commercially available, it cannot be bought and operated freely as any other smartphone. The Indian government controls satellite phone usage via the Department of Telecommunications (DoT). People and firms need special permission before buying and using a satellite phone. The penalty will be paid if someone uses a satellite phone without permission. Besides the cost of the phone itself, users need to buy BSNL satellite communications services. The tariffs start from around Rs 5,835 per month for a commercial tariff and from Rs 3,500 for a government plan. Both of them have some free minutes included, and after that, additional calls and SMS will cost extra money. For regular users, the phone does not bring anything special since the smartphone already covers all their demands. The phone can be extremely useful for defense departments, emergency forces, shipping companies, miners, researches, and workers who live far away from civilization. As India develops its communication network in remote and hazardous areas, satellite communication will gain more and more importance.
Conclusion
Though the BSNL satellite phone is more expensive than the iPhone 17 Pro, its functionality is much more than just that of an ordinary smartphone. It ensures connection even where conventional mobile connections are not available owing to the remoteness of the area or any other such problem. Although the high price tag and strict regulations surrounding it make it unfeasible for regular usage by common individuals, it has proven itself to be quite useful for defence forces and others who operate in distant areas. With the advancement of satellite technology, such phones will gain much significance for emergency management in India.
