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Direct-to-device satellite services successfully trialed for first time in India by Viasat and BSNL

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Viasat (NASDAQ: VSAT) and BSNL have successfully demonstrated direct-to-device satellite connectivity in India for the first time at the India Mobile Congress. The trial showcased two-way messaging and SoS messaging using a commercial Android smartphone enabled for non-terrestrial network (NTN) connectivity, connecting to Viasat's geostationary L-band satellite.

This technology allows everyday devices to connect seamlessly to both terrestrial and satellite coverage without dedicated hardware. Viasat, a founding member of MSSA, is working with partners like BSNL to expand satellite services on consumer and IoT devices globally. The demonstration highlights the potential for enhancing connectivity in areas with terrestrial coverage, improving efficiency in production and supply chains, and supporting automotive applications for safety and maintenance.

Viasat (NASDAQ: VSAT) e BSNL hanno dimostrato con successo connettività satellitare diretta ai dispositivi in India per la prima volta durante l'India Mobile Congress. La prova ha mostrato messaggistica bidirezionale e messaggistica SoS utilizzando uno smartphone Android commerciale abilitato per la connettività con reti non terrestri (NTN), collegandosi al satellite L-band geostazionario di Viasat.

Questa tecnologia consente ai dispositivi di uso quotidiano di connettersi in modo fluido sia alla copertura terrestre che a quella satellitare senza hardware dedicato. Viasat, membro fondatore di MSSA, sta collaborando con partner come BSNL per espandere i servizi satellitari su dispositivi consumer e IoT a livello globale. La dimostrazione evidenzia il potenziale per migliorare la connettività nelle aree con copertura terrestre, aumentando l'efficienza nella produzione e nelle catene di approvvigionamento e supportando le applicazioni automobilistiche per la sicurezza e la manutenzione.

Viasat (NASDAQ: VSAT) y BSNL han demostrado con éxito conectividad satelital directa a dispositivos en India por primera vez en el India Mobile Congress. La prueba mostró mensajería bidireccional y mensajería SoS utilizando un smartphone Android comercial habilitado para conectividad de red no terrestre (NTN), conectándose al satélite L-band geostacionario de Viasat.

Esta tecnología permite que los dispositivos cotidianos se conecten sin problemas tanto a la cobertura terrestre como a la satelital sin necesitar hardware dedicado. Viasat, un miembro fundador de MSSA, está trabajando con socios como BSNL para expandir los servicios satelitales en dispositivos de consumo e IoT a nivel mundial. La demostración resalta el potencial para mejorar la conectividad en áreas con cobertura terrestre, incrementando la eficiencia en la producción y las cadenas de suministro, y apoyando aplicaciones automotrices para la seguridad y el mantenimiento.

Viasat (NASDAQ: VSAT)와 BSNL은 인도 모바일 컨그레스에서 디바이스 직접 위성 연결을 인도에서 처음으로 성공적으로 시연했습니다. 이 시험은 비지상 네트워크 (NTN) 연결 기능이 지원되는 상용 안드로이드 스마트폰을 사용하여 양방향 메시징 및 긴급 메시징을 보여주었으며, Viasat의 정지궤도 L-band 위성과 연결되었습니다.

이 기술은 일상적인 장치가 전용 하드웨어 없이 육상 및 위성 커버리지를 원활하게 연결할 수 있게 해줍니다. MSSA의 창립 회원인 Viasat은 BSNL과 같은 파트너와 협력하여 전 세계 소비자 및 IoT 장치에 대한 위성 서비스를 확장하고 있습니다. 이 시연은 육상 커버리지가 있는 지역에서 연결성을 향상시키는 잠재력을 강조하며, 생산 및 공급망의 효율성을 개선하고 자동차 안전 및 유지 보수를 위한 애플리케이션을 지원합니다.

Viasat (NASDAQ: VSAT) et BSNL ont démontré avec succès la connectivité satellite directe aux appareils pour la première fois en Inde lors de l'India Mobile Congress. L'essai a montré la messagerie bidirectionnelle et la messagerie SOS à l'aide d'un smartphone Android commercial, activé pour la connectivité avec des réseaux non terrestres (NTN), se connectant au satellite L-band géostationnaire de Viasat.

Cette technologie permet à des dispositifs quotidiens de se connecter harmonieusement à la fois à la couverture terrestre et satellitaire sans matériel dédié. Viasat, membre fondateur de MSSA, travaille avec des partenaires comme BSNL pour étendre les services satellites sur des appareils de consommation et IoT à l'échelle mondiale. La démonstration met en avant le potentiel d'amélioration de la connectivité dans les zones avec couverture terrestre, augmentant l'efficacité dans la production et les chaînes d'approvisionnement, et soutenant les applications automobiles pour la sécurité et l'entretien.

Viasat (NASDAQ: VSAT) und BSNL haben erfolgreich Direktverbindungen von Satelliten zu Geräten erstmals in Indien auf dem India Mobile Congress demonstriert. Der Test zeigte zweiwegige Nachrichtenübertragung und SOS-Nachrichten mithilfe eines handelsüblichen Android-Smartphones, das für die non-terrestrial network (NTN) Konnektivität aktiviert ist und sich mit Viasats geostationärem L-Band-Satelliten verbindet.

Diese Technologie ermöglicht es alltäglichen Geräten, nahtlos sowohl mit terrestrischer als auch mit Satellitenabdeckung zu verbinden, ohne dass spezielle Hardware erforderlich ist. Viasat, ein Gründungsmitglied der MSSA, arbeitet mit Partnern wie BSNL zusammen, um Satellitendienste weltweit für Verbraucher- und IoT-Geräte auszubauen. Die Demonstration hebt das Potenzial hervor, die Konnektivität in Bereichen mit terrestrischer Abdeckung zu verbessern, die Effizienz in der Produktion und in Versorgungsnetzen zu steigern und Anwendungen im Automobilbereich für Sicherheit und Wartung zu unterstützen.

Positive
  • First successful demonstration of direct-to-device satellite connectivity in India
  • Potential to expand satellite services on consumer and IoT devices globally
  • Technology could help reduce barriers to accessing satellite connectivity in underserved areas
  • Possible applications in improving efficiency, sustainability, and safety in production and supply chains
Negative
  • None.

Insights

This successful demonstration of direct-to-device (D2D) satellite connectivity in India marks a significant technological milestone. By enabling two-way messaging on commercial Android smartphones via satellite, Viasat and BSNL have showcased a solution that could revolutionize connectivity in remote areas.

The implications are substantial:

  • Expanded coverage: D2D could provide connectivity in areas with terrestrial infrastructure, potentially reaching millions of unconnected users in India.
  • Enhanced safety: The SoS messaging capability could be important for emergency services and disaster response.
  • Industrial applications: This technology could improve efficiency and safety in sectors like manufacturing, logistics and automotive.

However, the path to widespread adoption may face challenges:

  • Regulatory hurdles: Integrating satellite services with terrestrial networks may require new regulatory frameworks.
  • Infrastructure costs: Scaling this technology for mass adoption could require significant investment.
  • Market competition: Other companies are also developing similar technologies, which could impact Viasat's market position.

While this demonstration is promising, investors should monitor how quickly Viasat can move from trial to commercial deployment and secure partnerships to capitalize on this innovation.

The successful trial of direct-to-device (D2D) satellite connectivity in India represents a potentially lucrative opportunity for Viasat. India's massive population and vast rural areas make it an ideal market for this technology. Key market implications include:

  • Market size: With over 40% of India's population lacking reliable internet access, the addressable market is enormous.
  • First-mover advantage: Being the first to demonstrate this technology in India could give Viasat a competitive edge in securing partnerships and market share.
  • Diversification: This expansion into D2D services could help Viasat diversify its revenue streams beyond traditional satellite services.

However, investors should consider:

  • Competition: Major tech companies and other satellite operators are also entering this space, which could lead to pricing pressures.
  • Adoption timeline: While promising, widespread adoption of D2D technology may take time, affecting short-term revenue potential.
  • Regulatory landscape: India's complex regulatory environment could impact the speed of commercial rollout.

Overall, this development positions Viasat well in the emerging D2D market, but realizing its full potential will depend on execution and navigating competitive and regulatory challenges.

The companies have successfully showcased direct-to-device smartphone connectivity during this week's India Mobile Congress in New Delhi.

NEW DELHI, Oct. 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Viasat, Inc. (NASDAQ: VSAT), a global leader in satellite communications, today announced it has successfully demonstrated direct-to-device satellite connectivity in India for the first time.

Working alongside partner BSNL, India's telecommunications provider, Viasat engineers successfully showcased satellite-powered two-way messaging services for attendees at India Mobile Congress — one of Asia's largest technology fairs. Viasat is currently working with its partners, including BSNL in India, to power the expansion of satellite services on consumer and IoT devices across the world.

In the trial, Viasat demonstrated two-way messaging and SoS messaging using a commercial Android smartphone enabled for non-terrestrial network (NTN) connectivity. The messages were sent roughly 36,000km to one of Viasat's geostationary L-band satellites. The outcome proves satellite services to cell phone connectivity is technically feasible for Indian consumers and businesses using Viasat's satellite network.

Direct-to-device connectivity is a new technology which allows everyday devices – like mobile phones, smart watches, or cars – industrial machinery, and transport operators to connect seamlessly to both terrestrial and satellite coverage. This means devices can stay connected from any location without the need for dedicated hardware to connect to satellites. The new technology follows new global mobile 3GPP release 17 standards, which are currently being adopted by satellite operators, mobile network operators, handset and chipset manufacturers.

Viasat has a longstanding heritage in providing satellite safety services – including providing the backbone of the Global Maritime Distress and Safety Service (GMDSS), with more than 120,000 connected safety terminals, and flight deck safety communications for over 12,000 aircraft. It provides these highly reliable safety communications through its licensed L-band spectrum.

Viasat is also a founding member of MSSA, a non-profit industry association formed to support open interoperable architectures and standards for integrating terrestrial and NTN services. For mobile network operators, using existing licensed satellite spectrum avoids tying up valuable cellular spectrum and avoids new regulatory approval processes.

Sandeep Moorthy, Chief Technical Officer, Viasat, said: "It is exciting to be showcasing the potential for direct-to-device in India, where D2D could help reduce barriers to accessing satellite connectivity – particularly in India where millions do not have access to reliable terrestrial connectivity. In the future, D2D could help transform the Indian production and supply chain to become more efficient, more sustainable and safer, and support automotive applications to enhance safety and conditions-based maintenance. Together with partners like BSNL, Viasat is driving a standards-based, open, transparent, collaborative D2D ecosystem to deliver seamless connectivity experiences no matter where a person, device, or vehicle is."

Robert J Ravi, Chairman and Managing Director, BSNL, said: "BSNL, in an exclusive partnership with Viasat, is proud to lead Direct-to-Device innovation. Today's successful demonstration, the first in India, showcases the potential to enhance direct communications for critical services, disaster recovery, and even rural connectivity across India using the BSNL network and Viasat's L-band satellite constellation."

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 technical feasibility, potential benefits or future roll-out of direct-to-device connectivity in India.  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: future partnerships in India required to deliver direct-to-device services; 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; risks associated with the construction, launch and operation of satellites, including the effect of any anomaly, operational failure or degradation in satellite performance; 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; 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.

Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/direct-to-device-satellite-services-successfully-trialed-for-first-time-in-india-by-viasat-and-bsnl-302276215.html

SOURCE Viasat, Inc.

FAQ

What did Viasat and BSNL demonstrate at the India Mobile Congress?

Viasat and BSNL successfully demonstrated direct-to-device satellite connectivity in India for the first time, showcasing two-way messaging and SoS messaging using a commercial Android smartphone connected to Viasat's geostationary L-band satellite.

How does Viasat's direct-to-device technology work?

Viasat's direct-to-device technology allows everyday devices like mobile phones, smart watches, or cars to connect seamlessly to both terrestrial and satellite coverage without the need for dedicated hardware to connect to satellites.

What are the potential benefits of Viasat's direct-to-device technology for India?

The technology could help reduce barriers to accessing satellite connectivity in areas with terrestrial coverage, potentially benefiting millions of Indians. It could also improve efficiency, sustainability, and safety in production and supply chains, and support automotive applications.

What is Viasat's role in the MSSA?

Viasat is a founding member of MSSA, a non-profit industry association formed to support open interoperable architectures and standards for integrating terrestrial and non-terrestrial network (NTN) services.

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