BSNL to offer Inmarsat’s GX satcomm services in India for hi-speed inflight, maritime connectivity

State-owned BSNL has received licence to offer Inmarsat’s Global Xpress (GX) mobile broadband services in India that would enable high-speed passenger inflight connectivity and maritime connectivity for carriers and vessels using Inmarsat terminals and infrastructure, the British satellite company announced on Wednesday. SpiceJet Ltd and Shipping Corporation of India have already signed up for the new GX services, which would open-up capacities as high as 50Mbps, Inmarsat India Managing Director, Gautam Sharma told PTI.

Once deployed, the GX services can enable Indian domestic airlines as well as international airlines flying over India to provide the high-speed inflight connectivity, allowing passengers to surf the internet, check social media, send emails and even make voice call over apps, during flights, according to Sharma.