Mini phone link to the globe

Unlike other satellite phones, the Mini-M weighs 2 kgs and is the size of a laptop computer. The Subscriber Identification Module (SIM) card of this phone helps users to have security and personalised information.

This card also helps the user in phone sharing and itemisation of the information with other subscribers of this service.

“The Mini-M service has come as a big relief to people constantly on the move, as 90 per cent of the world surface is still inaccessible by conventional telecommunication,” said an senior engineer working for VSNL.

The phone that can be used in the remotest corner of the country where there are no communication facilities, comes with a hefty price tag. The terminal cost is around Rs 3 lakh and tariff per minute for using the phone comes around Rs 100. The bulk users like corporates, multi-national companies get a discount.

T.K. Datta, Deputy General Manager, marketing, VSNL, says, “Our service is cheaper than the service provided by other signatories of INMARSAT. And in future, prices could be reduced if calls are made within India, especially in rural areas.”

But the customers who are hoping to get such facilities are not satisfied. “To get this connection one has to take permission from the Department of Telecommunication (DOT) and Wireless Planning and Co-ordination (WPC) authorities, which is difficult and is often delayed,” said a businessman waiting for the system.

A VSNL authority said that it was essential for the government, from the security point of view, to first investigate about the person who is going to use the facility. “If such a system goes in wrong hands, it will create a big problem for the country,” the official said.

He further added, “Users do not have to worry about government intervention as the access to the content of communication will be restricted. But the government will keep record of the time, identification of the user and purpose of using the system.