Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) and Viasat India have expanded their collaboration to accelerate advancements in satellite communications and uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) technologies across the country. The renewed partnership focuses on training, commercialization, and innovation — aiming to build India’s capabilities in next-generation connectivity and aerospace systems. A key highlight of the initiative is the rollout of specialized training programs at BSNL’s premier telecom training institute, BRBRAITT in Jabalpur, designed to develop industry-ready expertise in satellite communications, UAV operations, and Internet of Things (IoT) applications.
The two organizations will jointly work to bring Viasat’s Velaris uncrewed air solutions to India, integrating the company’s advanced satellite connectivity with domestic UAV systems. This move is expected to enhance drone communication networks and enable reliable, high-bandwidth connectivity for applications ranging from agriculture and logistics to defense and disaster management.
As part of the collaboration, BSNL and Viasat will also establish a Centre of Excellence (CoE) for UAVs and satellite systems. This center will serve as a hub for skill development, research, and innovation, offering engineering students and professionals hands-on training with Viasat’s advanced equipment and systems. Through this initiative, the partnership aims to bridge the skill gap in emerging technology domains while fostering a new generation of aerospace and communication engineers equipped to support India’s growing digital and drone ecosystems.
Highlighting the strategic importance of the collaboration, BSNL CMD A. Robert J. Ravi (I.T.S) said the partnership marks a crucial step toward strengthening indigenous technological capacity. He noted that the initiative reinforces BSNL’s commitment to driving innovation in satellite communication and next-gen connectivity solutions that can support India’s expanding digital infrastructure.
Viasat India Managing Director Gautam Sharma emphasized that the collaboration aligns closely with national initiatives like Digital India and Skill India, saying it “supports India’s Digital India and Skill India missions, unlocking new opportunities in the country’s growing low-altitude drone economy.”
By combining BSNL’s extensive network infrastructure and training capabilities with Viasat’s global expertise in satellite and UAV technologies, the partnership is set to create a strong foundation for India’s future in space-based connectivity and unmanned aviation — paving the way for smarter, more resilient, and tech-driven communication ecosystems.
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