BSNL, Viasat Tighten Partnership for Satellite Tech & UAV Services

BSNL and Viasat India have launched a collaboration to promote satellite communication skills and commercial uncrewed aircraft (UAV) services in India. The initiative involves training and industry-readiness programmes at BSNL’s Bharat Ratna Bhim Rao Ambedkar Institute of Telecom Training (BRBRAITT) in Jabalpur. 

Extending their earlier partnership, the companies will also work on commercialising Viasat’s Velaris uncrewed air solutions for the Indian market.

In an earlier interaction with AIM, Gautam Sharma, managing director of Viasat India, had revealed this extended partnership, saying, “We have a longstanding partnership with BSNL through which we provide mission-critical satellite services to the government of India, including defence forces and disaster response agencies.”

Under the agreement, BRBRAITT will provide infrastructure and logistical support for training programmes on UAVs, the Internet of Things (IoT), and other emerging technologies. 

The plan includes setting up a centre of excellence (CoE) for UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) and satellite systems. Engineering students in IT, electronics, and computer science will gain hands-on experience through demonstrations of Viasat terminals at the centre.

Robert J Ravi, chairman and managing director of BSNL, said, “This is a strategic collaboration that aligns with our goal to foster innovation and build indigenous capabilities.” 

He also mentioned that the CoE at BRBRAITT will “equip a new generation of professionals with critical skills, while our work to commercialise Viasat’s Velaris will enable new and innovative services for our customers.”

Viasat’s Velaris service uses its global L-band satellite network to provide secure connectivity for UAVs operating beyond visual line of sight. The collaboration aims to support India’s low-altitude economy, which includes drones and advanced air mobility operations below 3,000 metres.

Sharma expanded, “These collaborations are a testament to our commitment to India’s ‘Digital India’ vision and will help unlock the immense potential of the country’s low-altitude economy.”

Both organisations said the collaboration will support government initiatives such as Skill India and Digital India by building technical expertise in satellite and UAV technologies.