Viasat recently successfully demonstrated direct-to-device (D2D) satellite connectivity in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in collaboration with its ecosystem partners.
Viasat sent satellite-enabled two-way messages and SoS messages for attendees at the ‘Connecting 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). The event ran from 25-26 November in Riyadh.
The tests involved 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 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, one of its partners.
D2D is an emerging technology which allows devices like mobile phones, cars or industrial machinery, to connect to both terrestrial and satellite connectivity without requiring additional hardware. The technology follows new 3GPP Release 17 standards, which are increasingly being adopted by satellite operators, mobile network operators, handset and chipset manufacturers.
The demonstration was facilitated by VIasat’s L-band satellite capabilities. Viasat’s approach of using licensed and dedicated satellite spectrum means it can work with mobile network operators to provide these services in the future without having to sacrifice or interfere with terrestrial spectrum.
“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,” commented Sandeep Moorthy, Chief Technical Officer, Viasat. “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.”
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