This new phone of BSNL is more expensive than iPhone 17: This handset priced at ₹ 1.34 lakh requires neither tower nor network; Know who can buy it

Whenever it comes to expensive and premium mobile phones in India, usually only the names of flagship smartphones like Apple iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro or Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra come to the mind of people. But these days, a new phone of the government telecom company Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) is being discussed across the country, whose price is much more than all these premium smartphones. The biggest feature of this phone is that it does not require any mobile tower or SIM network to work. Let us know everything about the price of this unique phone of BSNL, its amazing features and the strict government rules for purchasing it. What is the price of this BSNL phone? If you are thinking that this is any ordinary touch-screen smartphone, then you are absolutely wrong. This is a satellite phone, the official information of which has been shared by BSNL on its social media account ‘X’ (earlier Twitter). Total Price: Including all taxes and government duties, the price of this satellite phone has been fixed at ₹ 1,34,166. This is the reason why its price is being compared with the most expensive and luxury phones in the world. Can the general public buy this satellite phone? Hearing the price of ₹ 1.34 lakh, the question arising in the minds of many tech lovers would be whether they can buy it for their hobby? So the direct answer is – no. This is a commercial satellite phone, which the general public of India cannot buy without permission. According to the strict security regulations of the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), owning or using a satellite phone in India requires special government approval, clearance from the Ministry of Home Affairs and an official license. No ordinary citizen can legally possess it without permission. For whom is this phone a boon? According to BSNL, this phone has been designed not for ordinary urban life, but for select sectors and people working in the most challenging and dangerous conditions of the world: Defense and Security Forces: Indian Army and paramilitary forces deployed in inaccessible borders and forests. Maritime: Merchant navy crew and fishermen who spend months in the deep sea. Disaster Management (NDRF): Teams that work when communication systems are disrupted during disasters such as earthquakes, floods or cyclones. Mining and mountaineering: People working in mines hundreds of feet below ground or adventurers trekking in high mountains (such as the Himalayas). Far-flung pilgrims: Special groups undertaking extremely difficult pilgrimages such as Amarnath or Kailash Mansarovar and in no-network zones. After all, why is the technology of satellite phones so special and different? While our normal Android or iPhone depends on the signals (4G/5G) of mobile towers installed on the ground, this satellite phone connects directly to the satellites orbiting the Earth in space. Its key features are as follows: Calling even in ‘no-network zones’: Crystal clear voice calling and messaging can be done even in dense Amazon forests, deep oceans, high snow-covered mountains or vast deserts, where no mobile network in the world works. Life saver in emergency: In any war, major terrorist attack or natural disaster, when all the mobile towers fall, then this satellite phone is the only support which keeps the administration and rescue teams connected. Battery life that lasts for months: This phone has a highly durable and powerful battery backup. It is designed to operate on standby for days or weeks even when power and charger are unavailable. Rough-and-Tough Military Grade Body: This phone is made from extremely strong and tough materials. It is not affected by harsh water, dust, falling from height or freezing of snow. It is ready to work in all weather conditions. More information and means of contact If you are associated with any official organization, mining company or security agency and want to know in detail about its commercial use, technical specifications or licensing process, then you can visit your nearest BSNL Head Office. Apart from this, necessary guidance can also be obtained by calling the official number 9768866652 issued by BSNL for this service.