Viasat demos D2D satellite for connected vehicles in Brazil

Details: John Tanner; Category: Satellite Networks; 07 March 2025; 8249 views

Global satellite operator Viasat announced on Thursday it has completed a trial in Brazil with ecosystem partners GuardianSat, Quectel, and Acceleronix to showcase direct-to-device (D2D) satellite connectivity for the automotive industry.

The tests – which took place over the last four months between Blumenau and Curitiba in southern Brazil – connected different vehicles directly to Viasat’s L-band satellites and Skylo’s network to provide narrowband tracking, monitoring and messaging capabilities.

The tests were conducted by GuardianSat using 3GPP standards-based non-terrestrial-network (NTN) service infrastructure from Acceleronix. Quectel provided CC660D-LS NTN satellite communication modules, paired with its high-performance antennas, that enabled the vehicles to seamlessly switch between satellite and cellular networks, ensuring uninterrupted connectivity based on location.

Viasat said 3GPP-enabled D2D technology will enable car manufacturers and service providers to offer new services to consumers and businesses regardless of location. That includes narrowband applications such as positioning data, predictive maintenance, emergency and breakdown assistance, and real-time supply chain tracking.

“When people think of direct-to-device they usually think about keeping cell-phones connected via satellite. While that is a vital benefit, there is also a massive opportunity for the transport industry, with the economics of direct-to-device opening the door for mass-market adoption,” said Sandeep Moorthy, chief technical officer for Viasat Commercial Services. “D2D satellite connectivity has the potential to save lives when drivers are outside of cellular networks, while connected vehicles can also provide real-time data for a huge range of applications which ultimately add up to a more efficient and sustainable transport sector.”

Viasat launched the Mobile Satellite Services Association (MSSA) in February 2024 along with Terrestar Solutions, Ligado Networks, Omnispace and Yahsat (now Space42) to develop a D2D ecosystem of terrestrial mobile and satellite operators, OEMs, infrastructure, chip vendors, and others to support MSS-based D2D satellite services.

Viasat first demoed its D2D technology in India last year in collaboration with state-owned operator BSNL in October. Last year it staged similar demos in the UAE and Saudi Arabia.

Viasat also recently joined the 5G Automotive Association to support connected transport applications.