Satcom company Viasat recently demonstrated direct-to-device (D2D) satellite connectivity in Saudi Arabia for the first time in conjunction with Skylo. Viasat successfully sent satellite-enabled two-way and SoS messages to the attendees at the ‘Connecting the World from the Skies’ event, hosted by Saudi Arabia’s Communications, Space & Technology Commission (CST) and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) in Riyadh.
The tests used 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 highly reliable L-band spacecraft, which orbits above the Indian Ocean. They were enabled by 3GPP standards-based NTN service infrastructure installed in Viasat’s gateways by Skylo, a Viasat ecosystem partner.
D2D is an emerging technology that allows everyday devices like mobile phones, cars, and industrial machinery to connect seamlessly to terrestrial and satellite connectivity without additional dedicated hardware. The technology follows the new global mobile 3GPP release 17 standards, which are being adopted by satellite operators, mobile network operators, handset and chipset manufacturers.
Viasat’s highly reliable L-band satellite capabilities enabled the demonstration, with the tests showing satellite-to-cell phone connectivity feasibility across the region. Importantly, the company’s approach of using already-licensed and dedicated satellite spectrum will enable it to work with mobile network operators to provide these services in the future without sacrificing or interfering with any terrestrial spectrum.
Elaborating on the demo, Sandeep Moorthy, Chief Technical Officer, Viasat, said: ‘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. 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 become more efficient, sustainable and safer. We’d like to thank the CST for their support in carrying out this exciting demonstration.
