The BSNL had launched satellite phone services and already sold 10 such phones in BSNL Madurai Business Area, said its Principal General Manager P. Loganathan.Addressing the media here on Thursday, Mr. Loganathan said each Satellite phone handset would cost ₹1.4 lakh. It would work on signal from Inmarsat.Ramanathapuram and Sivaganga district administrations had bought this new telecommunication equipment that came with a unique SIM, would provide voice call from and to all landline and mobile phone network.It would also support SMS and mail messaging. GPS tracking could also be done with this phone service, Mr. Loganathan said.The targeted customers for the new service were officials from the Departments of Forest, Fisheries and individuals living in remote villages. For indoor usage, a docking station would be required.The phone would basically provide domestic service and it would work upto 14 knots in the sea. The monthly charges for the new service was ₹3,816 for government sector and ₹6,362 for individuals.The charges for government sector would be ₹18 per minute, and it would be ₹12 per minute during disasters. For other users, the charges would be ₹25 per minute.Those interested to know more about satellite phone services could contact 94861-04260.Madurai Business Area, covering six southern districts, had got 1,014 4G towers, including 34 towers set up in remote areas in Dindigul and Sivaganga districts under the universal service obligation fund. “We have provided 5,000 mobile connection to 2,920 villages in remote locations,” Mr. Loganathan said.To promote its 4G services, the BSNL was offering SIM cards at ₹1 under Freedom 2.0 plan in connection with the 80th Independence Day. It would be available for a month till September 9. The SIM cards with a validity for 24 days would offer 1 GB of data, 100 SMS per day and unlimited free voice calls. Published - August 13, 2026 10:45 pm IST