Andrew Bonwick
Vice President of Product Development at Relm Insurance
Madhav Sheth
CEO of Ai+ Smartphone
Stephen Rose
CEO Render Networks


Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) and Viasat India have announced an expanded collaboration focused on skill development, industry readiness in the field of satellite communications and emerging technologies, and the commercialization of advanced uncrewed aircraft solutions. The new initiatives were formally launched during the India Mobile Congress 2025.
Also Read: BSNL and Viasat Trial Direct-to-Device Satellite Connectivity
Centre of Excellence for UAV and IoT Technologies
Under the partnership, BSNL’s Bharat Ratna Bhim Rao Ambedkar Institute of Telecom Training (BRBRAITT) in Jabalpur will provide infrastructure and support to establish a Centre of Excellence dedicated to Uncrewed Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), the Internet of Things (IoT), and other emerging technologies. The initiative will offer engineering students hands-on exposure to Viasat terminals and advanced connectivity solutions.
Commercialization of Viasat’s Velaris Uncrewed Air Solutions
The collaboration also includes efforts to commercialize Viasat’s Velaris uncrewed air solutions in India. Viasat said Velaris is a satellite communications service that provides secure and reliable connectivity for uncrewed aircraft to operate beyond visual line of sight. This technology is crucial for enabling the integration of UAVs into commercial airspace. The service operates on Viasat’s global L-band satellite network, which is designed for high-reliability, safety-critical applications.
Building India’s Low-Altitude Economy
These initiatives contribute to building India’s emerging low-altitude economy, encompassing drone operations and advanced air mobility below 3,000 meters. The work aligns with national programs such as Skill India and Digital India, aiming to equip the next generation with expertise in satellite and aerospace technologies.