Viasat, a global leader in satellite communications, has joined the 5GAA alongside some of the world’s largest technology firms and automotive companies to enable connected transport applications like autonomous vehicles and predictive safety and maintenance.
5GAA is a cross-industry organization bringing together automotive and technology companies to enable a unified connectivity ecosystem for transport, known as ‘Cellular Vehicle-to-Everything (C-V2X)'.
C-V2X is a connected mobility platform designed to allow vehicles to interact with their surroundings, such as other vehicles, cyclists, pedestrians, road infrastructure, or mobile networks, in real time. By connecting individual vehicles and enabling cooperative transport systems, C-V2X could transform traffic and supply chains to enhance travel, reduce pollution, and increase road safety.
Future applications being worked on by 5GAA include supporting fully autonomous cars, real-time supply chain tracking, safety systems for passenger transport, pedestrians, and cyclists, and predictive maintenance alerts to prevent breakdowns, with connectivity a critical enabler.
Satellite and cellular technologies have started on a pathway to convergence due to 3GPP’s Release 17 standard, which outlines an approach for devices like phones, vehicles and industrial machinery to connect to satellites without dedicated satellite hardware. 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 complement its global MSS satellite network capabilities, which are already utilized for safety services at sea and in the air. Automotive industry applications over satellite are expected to include enabling calls for emergency calling, breakdowns, and sensors to detect or avoid collisions.
The company is well poised to offer global standards-based D2D connectivity. Using spectrum already licensed for mobile satellite spectrum means existing mobile network operators do not have to use terrestrial frequencies to provide services.
Kevin Cohen, VP, Direct to Device Partnerships, Viasat, said: “With a longstanding history in providing critical safety services in the air and at sea, and our continued innovation on direct-to-device connectivity, joining the 5GAA is a natural fit for Viasat. By utilizing an already licensed L-band spectrum for mobile satellite services, vehicles could roam between space and ground network connectivity.
“With satellites helping to power a unified connectivity ecosystem, vehicles could automatically and autonomously work with each other and central management platforms to operate more safely, sustainably, and efficiently.”
Johannes Springer, Director General, 5GAA, said: “Viasat’s leadership in satellite-based connectivity, particularly their innovative approach to direct-to-device technology, will significantly enhance the 5GAA’s efforts to build a resilient and future-proof C-V2X ecosystem. Their expertise will help us explore new frontiers in vehicle-to-everything communication, especially in areas with limited terrestrial network coverage.”
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