CARLSBAD, Calif., Nov., 21, 2024 – Viasat, Inc. (NASDAQ: VSAT), a global leader in satellite communications, today announced it has joined the 5GAA alongside some of the world’s largest technology firms and automotive companies to enable connected transport applications like autonomous vehicles and predictive safety and maintenance.
5GAA is a cross-industry organization bringing together automotive and technology companies to enable a unified connectivity ecosystem for transport, known as ‘cellular Vehicle-to-Everything’, or C-V2X.
C-V2X is a connected mobility platform designed to allow vehicles to interact with their surroundings, such as other vehicles, cyclists, pedestrians, road infrastructure, or mobile networks, in real-time. By connecting individual vehicles and enabling cooperative transport systems, C-V2X could transform traffic and supply chains to enhance travel, reduce pollution, and increase road safety.
Future applications being worked on by 5GAA include supporting fully autonomous cars, real-time supply chain tracking, safety systems for passenger transport, pedestrians, and cyclists, and predicative maintenance alerts to prevent breakdowns, with connectivity a critical enabler.
Satellite and cellular technologies have started on a pathway to convergence due to 3GPP’s Release 17 standard, which outlines an approach for devices like phones, vehicles and industrial machinery to connect to satellites without dedicated satellite hardware. This technology, known as direct-to-device, is changing the way that satellite connectivity is delivered.
Viasat is currently developing a direct-to-device ecosystem of chipset manufacturers, MNOs, OEMs and solution providers to complement its global MSS satellite network capabilities, which are already utilized for safety services at sea and in the air. Automotive industry applications over satellite are expected to include enabling calls for emergency calling, breakdowns, and sensors to detect or avoid collisions.
The company is well poised to offer global standards-based D2D connectivity. Using spectrum already licensed for mobile satellite spectrum means existing mobile network operators do not have to use terrestrial frequencies to provide services.
Kevin Cohen, VP, Direct to Device Partnerships, Viasat, said: “With a longstanding history in providing critical safety services in the air and at sea, and our continued innovation on direct-to-device connectivity, joining the 5GAA is a natural fit for Viasat. By utilizing already licensed L-band spectrum for mobile satellite services, vehicles could roam between space and ground network connectivity.
“With satellites helping to power a unified connectivity ecosystem, vehicles could automatically and autonomously work with each other and central management platforms to operate more safely, sustainably, and efficiently.”
Johannes Springer, Director General, 5GAA, said: “Viasat’s leadership in satellite-based connectivity, particularly their innovative approach on direct-to-device technology, will significantly enhance the 5GAA’s efforts to build a resilient and future-proof C-V2X ecosystem. Their expertise will help us explore new frontiers in vehicle-to-everything communication, especially in areas with limited terrestrial network coverage.”
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.
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Viasat, Inc. Contacts
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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 features, benefits, uses and performance of C-V2X platforms and direct-to-device technology. 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; our ability to successfully develop, introduce and sell new technologies, products and services; future technological dependencies required to realize C-V2X platforms; technological enhancements required to provide direct-to-device solutions including technology provided by OEMs, MNOs, chipset manufacturers and other members of the ecosystem; 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; and other factors affecting the connectivity sector, generally. 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.