Viasat Demonstrates Direct-to-Satellite Connectivity for Vehicles in South America

Satellite communications company Viasat announced that it has demonstrated direct-to-device (D2D) satellite connectivity for the automotive sector, paving the way for the widescale adoption of satellite connectivity in automotive use cases. The trials, which Viasat claims are the first of their kind in the country, were conducted over four months between Blumenau and Curitiba in Southern Brazil, according to the company’s statement on March 6.

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D2D Satellite Connectivity Trial

According to Viasat, the trials showcased how vehicles can connect directly to Viasat’s L-band satellites via Skylo’s network to provide narrowband tracking, monitoring, and messaging capabilities.

The tests, conducted by Viasat’s ecosystem partner GuardianSat using 3GPP-based non-terrestrial network (NTN) infrastructure, leveraged connectivity from Acceleronix. Quectel Wireless Solutions provided CC660D-LS NTN satellite modules and antennas, enabling the vehicles to switch between satellite and cellular networks.

Automotive Applications with D2D Technology

Viasat said by leveraging 3GPP-enabled D2D technology, car manufacturers and service providers can offer a variety of new services to consumers and businesses. This advancement allows vehicles to maintain connectivity even in remote areas, supporting applications such as predictive maintenance, emergency assistance, real-time supply chain tracking, and positioning data.

Also Read: BSNL and Viasat Trial Direct-to-Device Satellite Connectivity

Role of 3GPP Release 17

The development aligns with 3GPP’s Release 17 standard, which enables mobile devices, vehicles and industrial machinery to connect to satellites without dedicated terminals. “This technology, known as direct-to-device, is changing the way that satellite connectivity is delivered,” Viasat said.