Satellite operator Viasat says it has completed another demo of its direct-to-device (D2D) technology in Brazil – this one using consumer smartphones – following last month’s D2D demo for connected cars.
Viasat said on Tuesday the demo in Brasilia focused on two primary D2D scenarios: direct-to-handset communication and data transmission for IoT devices in the agricultural and transportation sectors.
The two smartphones used for the demo were based on 3GPP NTN standards under Release 17, and connected via the L-band for mobile satellite services.
Use of the L-band is different from other D2D networks such as Starlink, Lynk Global and AST Spacemobile that use existing terrestrial mobile network spectrum. While this approach widens the scope of handsets that can be used for D2D connectivity. It also faces challenges such as local regulatory hurdles and interference mitigation.
Viasat – which 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 using MSS bands – argues that MSS spectrum is already allocated and regulated under an existing international framework, and presents no interference problems for terrestrial networks.
Last month, Viasat staged a trial in Brazil with ecosystem partners GuardianSat, Quectel, and Acceleronix to showcase D2D satellite connectivity for the automotive industry. This week’s demo – attended by officials from telecoms regulator Anatel, as well as representatives from the government, telecoms sector, and partners – was the first to demonstrate D2D for consumer handsets.
Viasat first demoed its D2D technology in India in October 2024 with state-owned operator BSNL. It has staged similar demos in the UAE and Saudi Arabia.
Viasat said it sees Brazil as a major D2D market, as only about 18% of the geographic area is covered by cellular networks, according to data from Anatel published in September 2024.
“As Brazil already has access to our services, the implementation of D2D technology and related infrastructure relies on collaborations, and we have made significant progress in our conversations with potential partners,” said Andy Kessler, VP of Viasat Enterprise, in a statement.
Leandro Gaunszer, GM for Viasat Brazil, added that Viasat’s extensive L-band coverage and alignment with 3GPP standards provide a strong foundation for introducing D2D services to Brazil.
“It shows that reliable primary satellite communications over smartphones and IoT applications are far more available, opening the door for a future where technology will help build the bridge to the unconnected and make it available to a wider range of individuals and companies, regardless of where they are located,” he said.
