Satellite communications company Viasat has successfully demonstrated direct-to-device (D2D) satellite connectivity in Saudi Arabia for the first time, in collaboration with its ecosystem partners. This demonstration was part of the event “Connecting the World from the Skies,” hosted by the Communications, Space & Technology Commission (CST) of Saudi Arabia and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) in Riyadh.
During the event, Viasat showcased the ability to send satellite-enabled two-way messages and emergency SoS messages, utilizing a commercial Android smartphone equipped for non-terrestrial network (NTN) connectivity with the Bullitt over-the-top messaging application. The Bullitt Satellite Messenger service provided a direct-to-device NTN messaging service, demonstrating the potential for satellite connectivity to reach everyday devices without the need for additional hardware.
The tests used Viasat’s L-band spacecraft, which orbits above the Indian Ocean, and relied on NTN service infrastructure installed at Viasat’s gateways by its partner, Skylo. The demonstration marked a significant step in advancing D2D technology, which enables seamless connectivity between devices like mobile phones, cars, and industrial machinery, connecting them to both terrestrial and satellite networks without the need for dedicated hardware.
Viasat’s D2D technology follows 3GPP release 17 standards, adopted by satellite operators, mobile network operators, and manufacturers of handsets and chipsets. These standards are enabling the production of more affordable devices and reducing overall development costs, as higher volumes of chipsets can now be produced.
The Saudi demonstration highlighted the feasibility of satellite-to-cell phone connectivity across the region, showcasing the potential for future collaborations between satellite operators and mobile network providers. By using already-licensed satellite spectrum, Viasat aims to offer these services in the future without interfering with terrestrial spectrum, further expanding the reach of satellite connectivity.
