BSNL has partnered with Inmarsat to set up the Indian Avionics Network and tap into the business opportunity of in-flight connectivity services in the Indian airspace
Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has sought approval from the government to establish the Indian Avionics Network (IAN) with around 500 base trans-receiver stations (BTS) to provide in-flight connectivity (IFC) in the Indian airspace.
“We have already written to the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) to provide Indian Avionics Network for broadband connectivity in flights,” Anupam Shrivastava, chairman, BSNL was quoted by ET.
IAN
The state-run telecom major has proposed a policy to set up the India Avionics Network across the country. It has estimated that around 500 base stations will be needed to cover the main flight routes. The policy is like that of the European Aviation Network wherein ground infrastructure has been deployed for hybrid satellite and telecom network with 300 long-term evolution (LTE) towers.
BSNL-Inmarsat partnership
BSNL has partnered with UK-based satellite communications company, Inmarsat to set up Indian global satellite phone service (GSPS) gateway, making telephonic services accessible to individuals, private and public companies.
The proposed Indian Avionics Network will be providing IFC to the air passengers through a combination of telecom infrastructure and satellite-driven bandwidth, provided by Inmarsat. According to Shrivastava, there is a provision to cover flight paths through on-ground stations that will radiate vertically upwards and supplemented by satellite so that air passengers stay connected.
BSNL views the in-flight connectivity service as a huge business opportunity that will aid in the overall growth of the state-run telecom. Its satellite business has emerged as one of the fastest growing verticals. The Chairman said that currently the company had covered around 4,500 satellite phone customers and the aim is to reach around 10,000 by March 31, 2019.
