Mangaluru: The fishing industry is driving growing demand for satellite phones in the coastal region, with the Mangaluru division of BSNL having received more than 20 requests so far and anticipating another 100 connections, mainly from fishing companies and boat owners.Hemant Sadashiv Borale, general manager, BSNL Mangaluru division, said the division has received more than 20 customer acquisition forms for satellite phones. The applications are currently under verification, after which the customers will make the required payment. The requests will then be forwarded to the central supplier in Ghaziabad for approval and supply.Borale said the division anticipates demand for around 50 additional connections from Udupi, and another 50 from Mangaluru.He said many fishing companies operate several boats that venture into the sea at different times. A satellite phone carried on a vessel can provide emergency communication when boats are away from the coast, and help coordinate communication between vessels.“Fishing companies represent a significant potential customer base,” Borale said, noting that there are many small fishing companies and boat owners in the region.Jetty operators and maritime industries are also prospective customers, he said. The department is exploring other potential users as well.Borale said BSNL’s enterprise segment has approached the fisheries department to ascertain whether it requires satellite phones for personnel operating at sea.HPCL has already indicated a requirement for one or two satellite phones, he said, adding that MRPL, ferry operators and companies providing services to different islands in the region like St Marys Island, could also emerge as potential customers.The company launched its satellite phone service in 2018, and recently highlighted it widely through social media.The handset is priced at Rs 1,34,166, and is designed for use in areas beyond conventional mobile network coverage, and is aimed at sectors such as defence, maritime operations, disaster response, mining and other remote operations.Fisheries minister to inspect Mangaluru fishing harbour on Aug 31A delegation of representatives of the fishing community recently held a meeting with health minister UT Khader and fisheries minister KS Basavanthappa to discuss the issues and development of the Mangaluru fishing harbour at Vidhana Soudha.The delegation including Trawl Boat Union Mangaluru president Rajesh Puthran, Purse Seine Boat Mangaluru president Anil Kumar Bokkapatna, senior fishing leader Mohan Bengre, former Trawl Boat Union Mangaluru president Chetan Bengre, and secretaries Faisal Kudroli and Saleem Naringana discussed the current problems at the fishing harbour and various demands raised by boat owners and fishermen.Responding to the demands, Basavanthappa assured the representatives that he would personally visit the Mangaluru fishing harbour on Aug 31 and inspect the issues on site. During the visit, the minister is expected to assess the harbour’s infrastructure, dredging requirements and basic facilities needed by fishermen, and take appropriate measures based on the inspection.
