BSNL Global Satellite Phone Service (GSPS)

Global Satellite Phone Service (GSPS)

1. Overview

BSNL’s GSPS also called satellite phone service, provides voice communication and messaging from any part of the globe. However, presently, the services will be available within India only. It is a ubiquitous service, hence can be used from all part of the country including territorial water. It is being provided through world’s most advanced satellite communications network working on Inmarsat I-4 F2 satellite located at 63.90 degree East
It is suitable for persons working in remote areas or disaster affected areas – defence, border security organizations, disaster management bodies, trekkers, fishermen, maritime applications.
Presently, the services are available to Government Agencies and existing users of satellite Phone services including Mini-M users.

2. About the Technology

• BSNL’s GSPS system provides telecommunication services to predominately mobile users through an enhanced GMR-2 air interface (GMR-2+) over the Inmarsat-4 (I-4) satellite like Telephony Voice, Supplementary services, Circuit switched Data/Fax services (for specific applications), SMS point-to-point, SMS-to- E-mail, E-mail-to- SMS.
• The coverage is accessible to GSPS users at or above 20 degree antenna elevation angle.
• The GSPS system is intended to provide a modernized, resource efficient and extensible platform for long term support of telecommunication services optimized for the characteristics of the I-4 satellite.
• The GSPS system supports Satellite Phone Services served by a single Network Control Center-Gateway (NCC-GW) located at Ghaziabad.

3. How to Subscribe

In Phase-I, the services are available only to Government Agencies.  For obtaining the services, the following procedure has been prescribed:

1. A  Customer Acquisition Form (CAF) will be required to be filled by the customer duly signed by authorised Signatory along with the certificate of authorization. Supporting documents needs to be enclosed with the CAF as required. CAF is available in the Website of BSNL.
2. The existing users of satellite phone having IsatPhone Pro and IsatPhone2 terminals having valid operating license and permission from MHA, will be provided BSNL’s SIM card and same can be used in existing handsets.
3. Existing users of satellite phone having IsatPhone Pro and IsatPhone2 terminals need to upgrade the software of the terminals. Only then they will be able to use BSNL SIM card in their satellite phones. Users can take help of BSNL empaneled Franchisee for upgrading the software. They can also do after downloading the patches from Inmarsat website www.inmarsat.com.
4. Mini-M users having valid operating license and permission of MHA will be provided GSPS Handsets and BSNL’s SIM card.
5. Mini- M terminal will be no longer in use after 31.08.2017. The existing Mini-M users have to buy IstaPhone2 terminals from BSNL to use satellite phone service. Necessary documents needs to be submitted along with the CAF i.e. valid DL, permission from MHA and copy of Import License.
6. As per DoT instruction, no in-roaming/out roaming facility (out of country) will be provided to the user initially.
7. Instruction issued from DoT for bulk users are to be followed strictly.
8. Users are requested to contact BSNL Executive at Customer Care Node (CCN) located at Advance Level Telecom Training Centre (ALTTC), Raj Nagar, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh-201001. The contact details of CCN are given below:-

Phone                  :  0120-2755877
FAX                      :  0120-2755877
Call Centre          :  1800-425-1957.
E-Mail                  :   satphone.india@bsnl.co.in, dn_sahai@bsnl.co.in
In case of any further query, you can contact Sh. V. K. Chopra, Consultant Inmarsat (91 9868245400), and Sh. D. N. Sahay, General Manager (Inmarsat) (91 9412739215).
The contact details of Franchisee is given below:

Sl.	Company  Name & contact details	Company Address
1.	Station Sat-Com   Primary Point of Contact:   Sh. Anshul Khanna, Managing Director   Contact Details: Tel: +912226471841,   Cell: +919821163385   Email: anshul.khanna@stationsatcom.com	Station Satcom Pvt. Ltd,   801, Madhava, Bandra Kurla     Complex Mumbai 400051
2.	Elektronik Labs  Primary Point of Contact: Sh. Nanda Kumar  Contact Details:  Tel: +91 44 2433 6953  Cell: + 91 98400 43437  Email: nanda@elektroniklab.com	Elektronik Lab,   10A,  Masilamani Street   T'Nagar   Chennai 600 017
3.	Northern Lights Secure Comm,  Primary Point of Contact: Raja Sharma  Contact Details:  Tel: +91 11 4103 1600  Email: raja@northern-lights.co.in	Northern Lights Secure Comm  321 Ansal Tower,  38 Nehru Place, New Delhi- 110019,

4. Tariff Plans and Call Charges:

a) Registration Charges: Rs. 1000/- per connection
b) Activation Charges: Rs. 500/- per connection

c) Prepaid Plans for Govt. Users:

Plan Name	Mandatory Charges	Free Calls worth Rs.
Plan G1 (Monthly)	Rs. 1000/-	Rs. 315 per month
Plan GA (Annual)	Rs. 11,000/-	Rs. 330 (per month)/ Rs. 3960 (per annum)

                 
Call Charges:

1. Outgoing Calls to PSTN/PLMN/GSPS    (Monthly/Annual)         : Rs 45/40 per 60 Sec.
2. Incoming Calls from PSTN/PLMN/GSPS (Monthly/annual)        : Rs. 45/40 per 60 Sec.
3. Outgoing ISD Call                                                                        : Rs. 260 per 60 Sec.
4. SMS Charges( Local)                                                                  : Rs 35 per SMS
5. SMS Charges(International)                                                        : Rs 260 per SMS

d) Prepaid Plans for Commercial Users:

Plan Name	Mandatory Charges	Free Calls worth Rs.
Plan C1 (Monthly)	Rs. 2000/-	Rs. 1320 per month
Plan CA (Annual)	Rs. 22,000/-	Rs. 1320 (per month)/ Rs. 15840 (per annum)

                 
Call Charges:

1. Outgoing Calls to PSTN/PLMN/GSPS    (Monthly/Annual)         : Rs 60/55 per 60 Sec.
2. Incoming Calls from PSTN/PLMN/GSPS (Monthly/annual)        : Rs. 60/55 per 60 Sec.
3. Outgoing ISD Call                                                                        : Rs. 260 per 60 Sec.
4. SMS Charges( Local)                                                                  : Rs 60/55 per SMS
5. SMS Charges(International)                                                        : Rs 260 per SMS

e) Post-Paid Plan for Govt. Users

Plan Name	Mandatory Charges	Free Calls worth Rs.
Plan G1 (Monthly)	Rs. 1000/-	Rs. 315 per month
Plan G3 (Annual)	Rs. 5000/-	Rs. 4270 (per annum)

Call Charges:

1. Outgoing calls to PSTN/PLMN/GSPS                         : Rs.  45 per 60 Sec.
2. Incoming Calls from PSTN/PLMN/GSPS                    : Rs. 45 per 60 Sec.
3. Outgoing ISD Call                                                        : Rs. 265 per 60 Sec.
4. SMS Charges (Local)                                                  : Rs. 35 per SMS
5. SMS Charges(International)                                        : Rs. 265 per SMS

f) Post-Paid Plan for Commercial Users

Plan C1 (Monthly)

Rs. 5000/-

Rs. 4260 per month

Call Charges:

1. Outgoing calls to PSTN/PLMN/GSPS                         : Rs.  60 per 60 Sec.
2. Incoming Calls from PSTN/PLMN/GSPS                    : Rs.  60 per 60 Sec.
3. Outgoing ISD Call                                                        : Rs.  265 per 60 Sec.
4. SMS Charges (Local)                                                  : Rs.  60 per SMS
5. SMS Charges(International)                                        : Rs.  265 per SMS

g) Cost of Handset :
Handset Cost:  Rs 70,000/- per terminal.
Note 1:  All the taxes, spectrum charges, license fee etc. and other charges     if any, will be charged extra as applicable.
Note 2: The tariffs are subject to change from time to time.
Note 3: Customer Acquisition Form Click here to download.


h) Documents required to be submitted along with Application


1. Duly Filled CAF along with required documents.
2. Copy of Valid Operating License(for existing users of Mini-M, IsatPhone etc.)
3. Photo ID Proof
4. Address Proof
5. Authorization Letter from Head of Office
6. In case of bulk customer, letter of Authorized signatory along with List of officers with the following details:

S.N	Name	Designation & Address	Place of Use with Lat/Long	Purpose of Use	IMEI no. of terminal/terminals (for existing GSPS users)

5. About Handset

ISAT Phone-2 will be supplied by BSNL to customers on first come first serve basis. The details of handset are given below:
ISAT Phone-2:

• Size 169x52x29 mm (without antenna) or 169x75x36 (with antenna)
• Weight: 318 g (including Battery)
• Internal speaker with high voice quality.
• Integrated fold-out GMR2+ antenna and internal GPS and Bluetooth antenna.
• High resolution 55 mm (2.2 inch) color LCD display
• Removable Long Life Battery: 51x84x13.5 mm
• Talk time upto 8 Hrs
• Standby time: upto 100 Hrs-based on network configuration.
• Telephony Services: Voice and circuit switch data.
• Short Messages Services (SMS-PP)
• Voice mail Services.
• SMS-to-Email
• GPS Location Data.
• Multiple languaguages MMI (8)
• Ports provided to external GMR2+ and GPS antenna
• Bluetooth v2.0 class supported for wireless hands free voice operation (headset and hands free profiles)
• 2.5 mm pole audio connector for wired hands free voice operation.
• Micro USB Port for data/Fax services and battery charging.
• Wall charger
• Rugged design
• Assistance button and GPS Tracking
• Incoming call alerts even with antenna stowed

How to Start SatPhone

Package contents

• Phone
•  Battery
• USB drive
• Quick Start Guide
• Warranty
• Mains charger and four universal plug adaptors
• Car charger
• Micro USB cable
• Wired handsfree headset
• Wrist strap
• Holster

Inserting and removing the battery
Your phone is supplied with a rechargeable battery, which may not be fully charged when you take it out of the box. Always switch the device off and disconnect the charger before removing the battery.

• Remove the battery by pressing the catch and lifting the battery up and out of the phone

•  Insert the battery by pressing the battery forward and down. It will click into place

Inserting the SIM card

• If the battery is in place, lift it out Slide the catch down on the SIM holder and flip it outwards Make sure the angled corner of your SIM card is on your left and slide it into the holder Flip the holder back into place and slide the catch back up Insert the battery

 























Connecting to the satellite
Your IsatPhone makes and receives calls by communicating with Inmarsat satellites in orbit above the equator. Your phone antenna must b e deployed and there must be a clear line of sight to an Inmarsat satellite for you to make and receive calls
Switch your phone on, hold down the red key for a few seconds until the screen lights up. The Inmarsat logo will appear followed by the main screen.
Stand outside with a clear view of the sky with the phone antenna pointing upwards. There must be a clear line of sight between the phone’s antenna and the satellite.
The more sky you can see the stronger the signal should be from the satellite. If open sky makes up about 70% of your view when you look up, then the signal should be strong.
Searching satellite will appear on the screen. When your phone is connected to the satellite, the screen will display Ready for service. The top left of the screen will display Inmarsat.
The signal bars indicate the signal strength. At least two signal bars are required to make and receive calls.
If the received signal strength falls during a call, as shown by the signal strength indicator, ensure that the antenna is pointed towards the satellite and there are no obstacles between you and the sky. The eCompass is displayed to indicate the direction in which the antenna should be maintained. When you return the handset to your ear, ensure that you keep it pointed in the direction of the satellite.
Before you can make a call, your phone needs a GPS fix so it can be located by the satellite. This happens automatically but if a new GPS fix is needed, the GPS fix icon will be displayed. Keep the phone in the open with a clear view of the sky until the icon disappears. Your phone is now ready to make and receive calls.











On rare occasions, your phone may continue to show the GPS fix required icon, which means that a new GPS fix is needed in order for your phone to connect to the network. If this occurs, select Menu > GPS position. The new GPS fix is displayed. When this screen is open, your phone will attempt to refresh the GPS fix every 30 seconds.
Recharge
 Recharge can be purchased from any outlet where BSNL mobile recharge/topup is available.
Covergae Area
The service covers the entire geographical area of India including the EEZ with restrictions in certain areas as per guidelines of Government of India.

FAQ for BSNL’s GSPS Service

1. My phone is not getting switch on

•   Check if the battery is inserted correctly.    •   Check if the battery needs charging. Charging for 20 minutes should provide enough power to switch the phone on.    •   If the battery does not charge it has probably exceeded its usage period and you will need to replace it with a new one. Buy your battery here.

2. My phone cannot make or receive calls

•   Ensure the SIM card is inserted in the phone and is fully provisioned by BSNL.    •  Check you have a valid GPS fix. See ‘Using your GPS location information’ on page  37 User Guide for more Information.    •   Ensure the phone’s antenna is fully extended and you have a clear line of sight to the satellite. See ‘Connecting to the satellite on page 13 User Guidefor more information. A least two signal bars are required to make and receive calls.    •   If you have less than two bars signal strength, rotate the phone and angle the antenna until the signal strength increases and you are able to make andreceive calls.

3. My phone cannot receive a text message

•   The phone can store a maximum of 20 messages in its memory. If the memory is full, delete a few texts to free up memory for new messages.See ‘Deleting messages’ on page 31 User Guide for more information

4. My phone continues to display Searching satellite…

•   Ensure your phone’s antenna is fully extended.    •   Ensure your phone’s antenna is pointed towards the satellite. Press Help for onscreen guidance. Consult the Inmarsat Coverage map to ensure you arewithin coverage.    •   Ensure there is a clear line of sight to the satellite with no obstacles which could block the signal. See     Connecting to the satellite’ on page 13 UserGuide for more information.

5. My phone displays a language I do not understand

•   Press the red key to return to the main screen    •   Press the left selection key to go to the menu screen    •   Press the centre selection key to open Settings    •   Press the down navigation key twice to highlight the Language icon and press the centre selection key .    •   Press the centre selection key and use the navigation keys to highlight the correct language and press the centre selection key again to change thephone’s language.

6. What should I do if I misplace or have my phone stolen?

•   Contact BSNL Customer Care immediately on 1800-425-1957/0120-2755877 and will bar your service to prevent the phone being used.

7. Can I use my Satellite Phone overseas?

•   The BSNL Inmarsat network has near-global coverage on land or at sea. Your BSNL Inmarsat satellite phone will operate at the standard rates with the Indian territory, and at international call rates outside of theIndian territory. Please refer to BSNL commercial plans for same.

8. What number should I dial for emergency services?

•  Isat Phone 2 has an Alert Button feature at the top head of the UT (covered with red rubber). •  In the MMI menu, the User can configure, one number to call and Up to 10 numbers to send SMS text. •  When the Alert button is pressed, the phone will: Automatically dial the emergency number that is already stored. The UT will also display the GPS location of the phone so the user can inform his/her geo-location. Send SMS text message to the 10 numbers stored with content of Time Stamp, Latitude, and Longitude information.

9. Can I send SMS text messages?

•   Yes, you can send and receive SMS messages.

10. My IsatPhone 2 keeps on turning off and then back on again. What do I do?

•   If this is happening, there are a number of possible reasons. The IsatPhone 2 has extreme weather resistance features including an O-ring around the battery contacts. Sometimes the O-ring makes it hard to get the battery to seat against the electrical contacts. So, try removing the battery. Make sure it is clean. Then put it back into the phone and make sure to push down firmly.

11. Can Mobile handset be used for GSPS Service?

•   No, mobile handset cannot be used for GSPS service as GSPS is satellite based service and must require         Inmarsat satellite handset to have access of GSPS service in Indian territory.

12. How GSPS connection be availed?

•   Contact BSNL Customer care number.

13. What is the procedure to avail the connection ?

•   Contact BSNL Customer care number and check details at BSNL Portal.