Cubic3 and SoftBank have announced a strategic partnership to advance the integration of satellite-based non-terrestrial networks (NTN) with terrestrial networks (TN) to create a ‘Ubiquitous Network’ for software-defined vehicles (SDVs) and other high-value mobile assets.
This collaboration builds on the companies’ strategic global partnership, first formed in 2024. Through working with major satellite communications providers, both companies aim to advance the commercial deployment of a ‘Ubiquitous Network’ for connected vehicles within the next few years.
Reliable, seamless connectivity is essential for automotive, agricultural and transportation original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) for their vehicles to remain connected to the Internet, even in areas that ground-based cellular networks can’t reach. This ensures critical features like predictive maintenance, safety features, telematics and navigation function correctly. This partnership will unite earth and sky to realise the promise of a ‘Ubiquitous Network’ for connected vehicles globally.
By combining Cubic3’s Cloud-based platform with SoftBank’s technical expertise in NTN, Cubic3 and SoftBank have jointly developed a ‘Ubiquitous Network’ strategy for SDVs and other high-value mobile assets. Because communication requirements vary depending on the use case, both companies believe it is essential to combine multiple networks with different characteristics to deliver the right solution for OEMs. Therefore, Cubic3 and SoftBank will collaborate with several leading satellite communications providers.
Based on this strategy, Cubic3 is actively involved in the following initiatives with satellite communications providers:
- Intelsat and Cubic3 have completed a critical vehicle satellite connectivity test successfully demonstrating the integration between Intelsat satellites and Cubic3‘s software platform, Cubic3 Cloud. It showcases how TN and NTN can seamlessly link to deliver always-on broadband connectivity on the move regardless of location. Separately, SoftBank and Intelsat signed a collaboration agreement in 2024 to create a single ‘Ubiquitous Network’
- Skylo and Cubic3 announced the world’s first automotive SIM solution supporting both cellular and satellite connectivity. The solution will eliminate the need to support multiple networks or hardware upgrades, ensuring that vehicles stay securely connected to critical services anywhere there is a clear line of sight to the sky – a major milestone in the pursuit of ubiquitous connectivity for SDVs
- Viasat and Cubic3 have announced live trials that will oversee Viasat’s L-band satellite network integrate with Cubic3 Cloud. The trials will test numerous applications including voice communication and real-time weather and emergency alerts over satellite. Live trials of the new service will begin in 2025
“Connectivity is the lifeblood of the millions of vehicles that will be connected over the next decade,” said Nick Power, Chief Technology Officer, Cubic3. “While terrestrial networks continue to enable cutting-edge in-vehicle experiences and features, swathes of the globe still don’t have coverage. Our solution will bring the terrestrial and non-terrestrial worlds together to deliver a truly ‘Ubiquitous Network’ across all corners of the globe.
“SoftBank is committed to realising a ‘Ubiquitous Network’ where everyone and everything is seamlessly connected anytime, anywhere, and Cubic3 is a highly important strategic partner in achieving that goal,” added Takenori Kobayashi, SoftBank Corp. Vice President, Head of Product Technology Division. “Together, we are working to deliver seamless communication services that ensure continuous connectivity by integrating multiple networks into a single solution through Cubic3’s cloud-based platform.
Cubic3 and SoftBank, in collaboration with Intelsat, Skylo and Viasat, recently published an eBook, ‘Ubiquitous Connectivity: For a Smarter Automotive Future’ that dives deeper into the opportunities ubiquitous connectivity will provide to OEMs across automotive, agriculture, transportation and other sectors.
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