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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