Viasat and Skylo have shared messages from a
mobile device over satellite for the first time in the
Kingdom.
CARLSBAD, Calif., Nov. 27,
2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Viasat, Inc. (NASDAQ: VSAT), a
global leader in satellite communications, today announced it has
successfully demonstrated direct-to-device (D2D) satellite
connectivity in the Kingdom of Saudi
Arabia for the first time, in conjunction with its ecosystem
partners.
Viasat successfully sent satellite-enabled two-way messages and
SoS messages for attendees at this week's 'Connecting the World
from the Skies' event, hosted by the Communications, Space &
Technology Commission (CST) of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the International
Telecommunication Union (ITU), in Riyadh.
The tests used a commercial Android smartphone enabled for
non-terrestrial network (NTN) connectivity with the Bullitt
over-the-top messaging application. The messages were sent over the
company's highly reliable L-band spacecraft which orbits above the
Indian Ocean and 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, with the tests showing satellite to cell
phone connectivity feasibility across the region. 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.
Sandeep Moorthy, Chief
Technical Officer, Viasat, said: "By expanding our
direct-to-device innovation to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, we're showcasing the
potential for D2D services in the fast-growing Gulf and
Asia-Pacific region. D2D could
help reduce barriers to connectivity in regions where terrestrial
services are spotty and unavailable to help transform industries
and supply chains, enable new opportunities, and to become more
efficient, sustainable and safer. We'd like to thank the CST for
their support in carrying out this exciting demonstration."
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
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; 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.