The automotive sector is experiencing an unprecedented expansion of connected services—from basic in-car telephony to advanced infotainment, HD navigation, massive over-the-air (OTA) updates, and soon V2X services. Yet behind this technological acceleration lies a major constraint: the industry’s dependence on terrestrial networks, whose coverage remains uneven and vulnerable, particularly in rural areas, cross-border corridors, and crisis situations. As automakers seek reliable, continuous, and standardised connectivity, a European alternative is emerging: UNIVITY, the first Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO) constellation fully designed for interoperability, enables OEMs and tier-one suppliers to integrate space-based connectivity as a simple 5G service, free from proprietary lock-ins and dependence on a single actor.
Automotive: connectivity needs have never been more critical
Connectivity requirements within the automotive industry are growing in both intensity and sophistication. Carmakers and suppliers are now expected to guarantee homogeneous, continuous, and reliable coverage across an entire journey, including rural roads, cross-border routes, and mountainous terrain. This requirement becomes essential as in-vehicle applications shift toward data-intensive services that are highly sensitive to latency.
The rise of infotainment, such as high-definition video streaming and premium content, demands high bandwidth and controlled latency that terrestrial networks alone cannot ensure everywhere. At the same time, the generalisation of OTA updates requires permanent connectivity to maintain cybersecurity, vehicle maintenance, and continual software evolution. These constraints become even more stringent for critical applications, from enhanced eCall to advanced telematics, fleet management, and emergency vehicles. With the growth of V2X and assisted-driving systems, connectivity is no longer an added feature but a functional component of the vehicle, requiring minimal latency, maximum resilience, and uninterrupted service.
Faced with this new reality, the automotive sector is entering a phase where connectivity can no longer rely on a single terrestrial infrastructure. A hybrid, resilient, and standardised model is now required, precisely the vision embodied by UNIVITY.
A new era for in-vehicle connectivity: interoperable, sovereign, and resilient
UNIVITY brings a unique solution through the first standardised 5G constellation designed to operate as a natural extension of mobile networks. Thanks to full interoperability in the 2GHz band and future direct-to-device capabilities, the automotive ecosystem is no longer constrained by proprietary satellite systems or closed architectures that prevent compatibility between manufacturers.
This approach opens the door to new business models: direct communication with the vehicle, low-cost connectivity for entry-level ranges, seamless service continuity for fleets, and enhanced options for public safety and emergency services. UNIVITY thus becomes a true one-stop shop, addressing all current and future connectivity needs across the automotive value chain.
“Connected vehicles, whether buses, trucks, cars, or agricultural machinery, cannot depend on a single terrestrial network or a proprietary satellite system,” explains Charles Delfieux, CEO and Founder of UNIVITY. “Together with our telecom operator partners, UNIVITY provides the automotive industry with an interoperable, neutral, European-designed 5G space infrastructure. Our constellation ensures continuous service delivery, from OTA updates to video applications, all the way to future uses. Space is finally becoming a natural extension of the mobile network.”
UNIVITY: a controlled convergence between space and terrestrial networks
UNIVITY stands out for a business model that places telecom operators at the heart of the value chain and a unique technological combination designed to reconcile performance, integration simplicity, and cost efficiency.
At its core lies a telecommunications architecture based on telecom operators’ 5G spectrum, designed to work in synergy with a Very Low Earth Orbit deployment (<375km), enabling internet services that cover use cases from high-throughput to direct-to-cell.
This approach paves the way for high-performance, affordable, and sustainable connectivity, including in rural, remote, or crisis-affected areas, complementing existing fibre, or cellular networks.
