Viasat and partners deliver first-of-its-kind direct-to-device demonstration in South America

CARLSBAD, Calif., March 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --  (NASDAQ: VSAT), a global leader in satellite communications, today announced the first-of-its-kind demonstration of direct-to-device (D2D) connectivity for the automotive sector — opening the door for widescale adoption of satellite connectivity for automotive use cases.

In a country-first, the tests saw different vehicles connect directly to Viasat’s highly reliable L-band satellites and Skylo’s network, to provide narrowband tracking, monitoring and messaging capabilities. The trials took place over the last four months between Blumenau and Curitiba in Southern Brazil.

The tests, conducted by Viasat’s ecosystem partner GuardianSat, used 3GPP standards-based non-terrestrial-network (NTN) service infrastructure through Viasat’s connectivity partner, Acceleronix. In addition, Quectel Wireless Solutions provided advanced NTN satellite communication modules, paired with Quectel’s high-performance antennas, that enabled the vehicles to seamlessly switch between satellite and cellular networks, ensuring uninterrupted connectivity based on location.

By leveraging 3GPP-enabled D2D technology, car manufacturers and service providers are able to offer a variety of new services to consumers and businesses. Vehicles can stay connected even in rural locations, allowing passengers and cargo to stay safe wherever they are. Narrowband applications for D2D in the automotive space will include the provision of positioning data, predictive maintenance, emergency and breakdown assistance, and real-time supply chain tracking.

Satellite and cellular technologies have started on a pathway to convergence after , which outlines an approach for devices like mobile phones, vehicles and industrial machinery to connect to satellites without a dedicated satellite terminal. 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 augment its existing MSS network capabilities, which are already utilized for safety services at sea and in the air. The company recently joined the to support connected transport applications, following three high-profile in India, Saudi Arabia, and United Arab Emirates last quarter.

Sandeep Moorthy, Chief Technical Officer - Viasat Commercial Services, said: “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. 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.”

“The integration of Quectel’s CC660D-LS satellite module with Viasat’s network in this demonstration highlights the transformative potential of this technology,” said Ricardo Simon, Sales Director for LatAm at Quectel Wireless Solutions. “Seamless roaming between satellite and cellular networks ensures uninterrupted connectivity regardless of location, unlocking a broad range of critical applications.”

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 , the or follow us on , , , , , , and .

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About Quectel

Quectel’s passion for a smarter world drives us to accelerate IoT innovation. A highly customer-centric organization, we are a global IoT solutions provider backed by outstanding support and services. Our growing global team of 5,600 professionals sets the pace for innovation in , ,  modules as well as and services.

With regional offices and support across the globe, our international leadership is devoted to advancing IoT and helping build a smarter world.

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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 direct-to-device technology, including the solution offered by Viasat, Guardian SAT, Quectel and Acceleronix; and the future development of a direct-to-device ecosystem by Viasat. 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 D2D 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 , 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.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at