28 October 2025
Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) and Viasat India have announced an expanded partnership focused on advancing satellite-based IoT and UAV technologies to foster India's emerging low-altitude economy.
The collaboration aims to establish a dedicated Centre of Excellence for UAVs, IoT, and related innovations, with a special emphasis on commercial uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs) and Viasat’s Velaris UAV service.
Under this new agreement, Viasat and BSNL’s training institute, Bharat Ratna Bhim Rao Ambedkar Institute of Telecom Training (BRBRAITT) in Jabalpur, will jointly develop infrastructure, classrooms, and logistical support to train engineering students from IT, Electronics & Communication, and Computer Science disciplines. The program will include demonstrations of Viasat’s satellite terminals and UAV solutions, preparing a skilled workforce for future aerial operations.
Additionally, the partnership will focus on commercialising Viasat’s Velaris UAV service in India. Velaris offers L-band satellite connectivity that enables UAVs to operate beyond visual line of sight, a critical capability for integrating drones into commercial airspace and facilitating beyond-the-visual-line-of-sight (BVLOS) operations.
Viasat and BSNL’s joint efforts aim to support India’s low-altitude economy — covering aerial operations below 3,000 meters — including drone delivery, surveillance, and advanced air mobility. Gautam Sharma, MD of Viasat India, highlighted the rapid growth of India’s drone market and expressed confidence that this partnership will unlock significant potential in the sector by 2030.
BSNL Chairman and MD, Robert J Ravi, emphasised that the Centre of Excellence will equip a new generation of professionals with vital skills, while the commercialisation of Velaris will enable innovative services, driving economic growth and technological development across the country. This initiative underscores India’s commitment to leveraging satellite and UAV technologies to expand its aerial economy and digital infrastructure.
