Viasat Demonstrates First Satellite SMS Messages on Android Smartphone in Mexico

Rhea-AI Summary

Viasat (NASDAQ: VSAT) completed a country-first direct-to-device (D2D) demonstration in Mexico on October 16, 2025, showing native SMS and push-to-talk on mass-market Android smartphones over its I-4 F3 satellite.

The demo used 3GPP NTN release 17 standards and Skylo’s RAN and core infrastructure, plus the HMD Offgrid companion device, to send/receive messages between a satellite-connected phone and a terrestrial cellular phone using Viasat’s global L-band spectrum. Viasat cited prior D2D demos in India, Middle East, Brazil, and Hawaii and noted a joint venture with Space42 called Equatys to enable global D2D services and evolve MSS toward 5G.

Insights

Satellite Connectivity Strategist

Viasat demonstrated standards-based direct-to-device SMS and PTT in Mexico, showing technical feasibility and partnership progress for satellite-to-phone services.

Viasat executed a country-first live demonstration of native SMS between a satellite-connected Android handset and a terrestrial cellular phone using 3GPP NTN (Release 17) over its I-4 F3 L-band satellite, with Skylo supplying NTN RAN/CORE infrastructure and an HMD Offgrid companion device shown for additional use cases. The event confirms end-to-end interoperability using industry standards rather than proprietary links, which reduces integration friction when working with mobile network operators and handset makers.

Key dependencies and risks include commercial agreements with mobile network operators, handset and chipset vendor adoption of NTN profiles, and regulatory approvals for using licensed satellite spectrum in-country; none of these items were reported as resolved in the release. The announced collaboration with Space42 to form Equatys signals a route to scale but also introduces execution and governance tasks tied to a new joint entity.

Watch for concrete commercialization milestones over the next 6–24 months: signed roaming or wholesale agreements with local MNOs, formal certification of specific handset models for NTN on Android, regulatory filings or approvals in Mexico, and live consumer or enterprise trials that move beyond demos.

At an event held in Mexico City, the operator showcased direct-to-device (D2D) connectivity in action, including native SMS messages and push-to-talk via satellite on a commercially available Android smartphone

MEXICO CITY, Oct. 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Viasat, Inc. (NASDAQ: VSAT), a global leader in satellite communications, has completed an-in-country first-of-its-kind direct-to-device (D2D) demonstration in Mexico – featuring native Short Message Service (SMS) messages on the Android smartphone.

The demonstration showcased smartphones sending and receiving messages over Viasat’s I-4 F3 satellite using 3GPP Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) standards. In a country-first, native SMS messages were shared across two mass market Android smartphones, with one connected via satellite and the other to a traditional cellular network. Viasat also showcased satellite connectivity, including SMS and push-to-talk (PTT) capabilities, using the HMD Offgrid, a companion device.

All messages were sent and received using Viasat's highly reliable, global, L-band satellite capabilities, enabled by 3GPP standards-based NTN RAN and CORE infrastructure from Skylo, a Viasat ecosystem partner.

D2D is an emerging technology which allows everyday devices like mobile phones to connect to satellites without the need for dedicated satellite 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 demos showcase satellite to cell phone connectivity feasibility within the country. Viasat’s approach of using already licensed and dedicated satellite spectrum can enable it to work with mobile network operators to provide services in the future without sacrificing or interfering with terrestrial networks. Viasat has already completed successful D2D demonstrations in India, the Middle East, Brazil, and Hawaii.

Hector Rivero, General Manager, Viasat Mexico, said: “Expanding our D2D innovation to Mexico demonstrates the potential it holds for the entire region. This technology has the ability to bridge the connectivity gap in areas where traditional services are unreliable or non-existent, opening up possibilities for millions of individuals and devices to connect through satellite. We are confident that this will have significant advantages for consumers and various industries worldwide, and we are thrilled to collaborate with our partners to bring it to fruition. Through this, we remain dedicated to our mission of connecting the unconnected.”

Viasat also plays a key role in advancing open architecture standards-based D2D connectivity as a founding member of the Mobile Satellite Services Association (MSSA), a nonprofit organization that brings together a wide range of industry players to promote mobile satellite connectivity.

Last month, Viasat also announced it is working with Space42, the UAE-based AI-powered SpaceTech company, to form Equatys, a jointly held entity, to enable global D2D services and evolving existing and planned Mobile Satellite Services (MSS) to a 5G network environment.

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 LinkedIn, X, Instagram, Facebook, Bluesky, Threads, and YouTube.

Copyright © 2025 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.

Viasat, Inc. Contacts
Richard Jones – External Communications, Viasat Enterprise, Richard.jones@viasat.com
Lisa Curran/Peter Lopez, Investor Relations, IR@viasat.com

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, features, benefits, uses and performance of direct-to-device technology, including the solution offered by Viasat. 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; our ability to successfully develop, introduce and sell new technologies, products and services; future technological dependencies required to realize D2D platforms; technological enhancements required to provide direct-to-device and direct-to-handset solutions including technology provided by OEMs, MNOs, chipset manufacturers and other members of the ecosystem; 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; competing uses of the same spectrum or orbital locations that we utilize or seek to utilize; and other factors affecting the connectivity sector, generally. 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.

FAQ

What did Viasat (VSAT) demonstrate in Mexico on October 16, 2025?

Viasat demonstrated native SMS and push-to-talk over satellite on mass-market Android phones using its I-4 F3 satellite and 3GPP NTN release 17 standards.

How does Viasat’s Mexico demo use 3GPP standards for D2D connectivity (VSAT)?

The demo used 3GPP Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) release 17 standards with Skylo’s NTN RAN and CORE to enable smartphone-to-satellite SMS and PTT.

What role did Skylo and HMD Offgrid play in Viasat’s (VSAT) demonstration?

Skylo provided standards-based NTN RAN and CORE infrastructure; HMD Offgrid served as a companion device to enable satellite SMS and PTT.

Does Viasat say this Mexico demo is unique compared with prior tests (VSAT)?

Yes; Viasat described the event as an in-country first for native SMS on Android in Mexico and referenced prior demos in India, the Middle East, Brazil, and Hawaii.

What is Equatys and how does it relate to Viasat’s D2D plans (VSAT)?

Equatys is a jointly held entity Viasat formed with Space42 to enable global D2D services and transition mobile satellite services toward a 5G environment.