Message Received: Viasat Continues Direct-to-Device Showcase with First Demonstration in United Arab Emirates

Rhea-AI Summary

Viasat (NASDAQ: VSAT) has successfully demonstrated direct-to-device (D2D) satellite connectivity for the first time in the United Arab Emirates, marking its third successful showcase this quarter following demonstrations in India and Saudi Arabia. The company, in collaboration with Skylo and TDRA, successfully sent satellite-enabled two-way messages and SoS messages using commercial Android smartphones enabled for non-terrestrial network connectivity.

The demonstration utilized Viasat's L-band satellites orbiting above Asia and was enabled by 3GPP standards-based NTN service infrastructure. D2D technology allows everyday devices to connect seamlessly to both terrestrial and satellite connectivity without additional hardware, following new global mobile 3GPP release 17 standards.

Positive

• Successfully completed third major D2D demonstration in UAE, following India and Saudi Arabia
• Demonstrated working technology using existing L-band satellites and licensed spectrum
• Technology compatible with standard Android smartphones without additional hardware

Negative

• None.

Insights

Tech Expert

This D2D demonstration represents a significant technical milestone in satellite communications. The successful integration of 3GPP standards-based NTN infrastructure with commercial Android smartphones, without additional hardware requirements, showcases the viability of seamless terrestrial-satellite connectivity. The use of dedicated L-band spectrum is particularly strategic, as it avoids interference issues with terrestrial networks while providing reliable coverage. This third successful demonstration, following India and Saudi Arabia, establishes a pattern of consistent performance across different geographical regions.

The implementation of Release 17 standards and collaboration with ecosystem partners indicates a maturing technology approaching commercial readiness. The ability to leverage existing satellite infrastructure for D2D services could significantly accelerate market deployment while keeping implementation costs manageable for mobile operators.

Market Research Analyst

Viasat's strategic expansion into the D2D market positions them well in a rapidly growing sector. The successful demonstration in the UAE, following shows in India and Saudi Arabia, targets regions with significant untapped market potential and challenging terrestrial coverage. The focus on emerging markets with large populations lacking reliable connectivity suggests a substantial addressable market. The company's approach of partnering with local regulators and mobile operators could facilitate faster market entry and adoption.

The emphasis on using already-licensed spectrum and existing infrastructure provides a competitive advantage, potentially enabling quicker scalability and more cost-effective service deployment compared to competitors requiring new spectrum allocations or dedicated hardware installations.

Viasat and Skylo have shared messages from a mobile device over satellite for the first time in the country in collaboration with the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA): marking the third major demo this quarter.

CARLSBAD, Calif., Dec., 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Viasat, Inc. (NASDAQ: VSAT), a global leader in satellite communications, today announced it has successfully demonstrated direct-to-device (D2D) satellite connectivity for the first time in the United Arab Emirates.

Viasat successfully sent satellite-enabled two-way messages and SoS messages for attendees at this week's Abu Dhabi Space Debate event. The showcase took place alongside the event at the headquarters of the UAE's Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA).

It marks Viasat's third successful showcase this quarter following high-profile demonstrations in both India and Saudi Arabia. The company is continuing to work with a range of ecosystem partners and international regulators to highlight the feasibility for direct-to-device applications in bringing satellite connectivity to millions more around the world.

The tests used a commercial Android smartphone enabled for non-terrestrial network (NTN) connectivity with an over-the-top messaging application. Separate messages were successfully sent over two of Viasat's highly reliable L-band satellites which orbit above Asia. They were enabled by 3GPP standards-based NTN service infrastructure installed in Viasat's gateways by Skylo, a Viasat ecosystem partner.

D2D is an emerging technology which allows everyday devices – like mobile phones, cars or industrial machinery – to connect seamlessly to both terrestrial and satellite connectivity without the need for additional dedicated hardware. The technology follows new global mobile 3GPP release 17 standards, which are being adopted by satellite operators, mobile network operators, handset and chipset manufacturers.

The demonstration was enabled by Viasat's highly reliable L-band satellite capabilities. Importantly, the company's approach of using already-licensed and dedicated satellite spectrum will enable it to work with mobile network operators to provide these services in the future without sacrificing or interfering with any terrestrial spectrum.

Kevin Cohen, VP, Direct to Device Partnerships, Viasat, said: "In regions all over the world, millions of people do not have access to consistent, reliable networks. Satellite-enabled D2D could help reduce these barriers by allowing people to stay safe, secure, and connected when terrestrial services are interrupted or unavailable. That is why we're excited by the opportunity. We'd like to thank TDRA and our international partners for their support."

About Viasat
Viasat is a global communications company that believes everyone and everything in the world can be connected. With offices in 24 countries around the world, our mission shapes how consumers, businesses, governments and militaries around the world communicate and connect. Viasat is developing the ultimate global communications network to power high-quality, reliable, secure, affordable, fast connections to positively impact people's lives anywhere they are—on the ground, in the air or at sea, while building a sustainable future in space. In May 2023, Viasat completed its acquisition of Inmarsat, combining the teams, technologies and resources of the two companies to create a new global communications partner. Learn more at www.viasat.com, the Viasat News Room or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X or YouTube.

Copyright © 2024 Viasat, Inc. All rights reserved. Viasat, the Viasat logo and the Viasat Signal are registered trademarks in the U.S. and in other countries of Viasat, Inc. All other product or company names mentioned are used for identification purposes only and may be trademarks of their respective owners.

Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements that are subject to the safe harbors created under the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Forward-looking statements include, among others, statements that refer to the availability, design, features, benefits and performance of Viasat's D2D services. Readers are cautioned that actual results could differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ include: risks associated with the construction, launch and operation of satellites, including the effect of any anomaly, operational failure or degradation in satellite performance; network availability or satellite capacity required to scale direct-to-device services; our ability to realize the anticipated benefits of satellites and any future satellite we may construct or acquire; the effect of adverse regulatory changes (including changes affecting spectrum availability or permitted uses) on our ability to sell or deploy our products and services; changes in the way others use spectrum; our inability to access additional spectrum, use spectrum for additional purposes, and/or operate satellites at additional orbital locations; and competing uses of the same spectrum or orbital locations that we utilize or seek to utilize. In addition, please refer to the risk factors contained in our SEC filings available at www.sec.gov, including our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date on which they are made. We undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements for any reason.

 

 

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SOURCE Viasat, Inc.

FAQ

What did Viasat (VSAT) demonstrate in the UAE?

Viasat demonstrated direct-to-device (D2D) satellite connectivity for the first time in the UAE, successfully sending two-way messages and SoS messages via satellite using commercial Android smartphones.

How many D2D demonstrations has Viasat (VSAT) completed in Q4 2023?

Viasat has completed three successful D2D demonstrations this quarter, in the UAE, India, and Saudi Arabia.

What technology does Viasat (VSAT) use for its D2D satellite connectivity?

Viasat uses L-band satellites and 3GPP standards-based NTN service infrastructure, working with already-licensed and dedicated satellite spectrum.

Does Viasat's (VSAT) D2D technology require special hardware?

No, Viasat's D2D technology allows everyday devices like mobile phones to connect to satellite connectivity without additional dedicated hardware, using 3GPP release 17 standards.