Viasat, Inc. and Skylo Technologies to unlock
the potential of direct-to-device (D2D) services for consumers,
businesses and governments across the globe
CARLSBAD, Calif., Nov. 16,
2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Viasat, Inc. (NASDAQ: VSAT), a
global leader in satellite communications, and Skylo Technologies,
the leading non-terrestrial network (NTN) service provider, today
announced the launch of the world's first global direct-to-device
(D2D) network. The companies' global infrastructure agreement will,
for the first time, allow Mobile Network Operators (MNOs), device
makers and chipset manufacturers to take 3GPP Release 17
compliant products to market, within Viasat's global network
coverage.
Viasat, Inc. and Skylo technologies launch
the world's first global direct-to-device (D2D) network.
Combining Skylo's industry-first Release-17-based satellite
technology with Viasat's geostationary, L-band satellite
constellation and licensed spectrum holdings (through its
subsidiary, Inmarsat), as well as those of other satellite operator
partners, the new network will support consumer smartphone services
and unlock the potential for massive Internet of Things (IoT),
automotive and defense applications.
The combination of the network with MNO and chipset manufacturer
collaboration will provide new opportunities for Original Equipment
Manufacturers (OEMs) that wish to embed connectivity into their
smartphones, wearables, vehicles, machinery and other devices. IoT
solution providers stand to gain access to ubiquitous connectivity
and economical hardware to scale their solutions globally.
Food producers, miners and logistics businesses will gain access
to enhanced connectivity experiences, through cellular or
satellite, without the need for proprietary satellite hardware,
reducing end-user costs and contributing to the optimization and
sustainability of global production and supply chains.
The new network will utilize Viasat's global L-band capabilities
as well as partner satellite operator networks. L-band is widely
known for its reliability and is trusted by governments to deliver
mission-critical data, ensuring Viasat's and Skylo's D2D network
will be capable of securely delivering data to serve the needs of
businesses, governments and out-of-reach consumers. Viasat's
geostationary licensed L-band network is also ideally suited for
delivering D2D services and will not require the use of terrestrial
spectrum or global regulatory changes or approvals.
Initial deployments are planned for early 2024 in North America, using the Ligado SkyTerra
satellite network, followed by a global rollout. Partners and
customers will be able to access the services through Viasat or
Skylo.
Andy Kessler, Vice-President,
Enterprise and Land Mobile at Viasat, said: "Our agreement
with Skylo marks a pivotal point for global connectivity. There is
now the framework for a global narrowband non-terrestrial network
with unique levels of resilience, that can support the innovation
of MNOs, chipset manufacturers, OEMs and IoT solution providers, as
they come together and build next-generation solutions for
businesses, governments and consumers. The global production and
supply chain will now gain access to data from the remotest edge,
where it is often-most valuable, with the same level of effort as
they would in a city connected by cellular 5G."
Anton Monk, Vice-President,
Wireless Initiatives at Viasat, said: "We are delighted to
work with Skylo and our launch partners to deliver a global
network, which will unleash the potential of direct-to-device
connectivity for all. This network is available for testing today
and will enable global market entry for innovators. Building the
network on L-band geostationary satellite technology means it
doesn't require special licensing of terrestrial spectrum and by
utilizing the 3GPP standard there is assured interoperability,
particularly as exciting new Releases follow Release 17."
Tarun Gupta, CPO and
Co-Founder of Skylo, said: "This collaboration with Viasat
represents an inflection point in the evolution of connectivity. By
merging our groundbreaking 85+ patents and 3GPP Release-17-based
satellite technology with Viasat's extensive geostationary network,
spectrum capabilities and partnerships, we are unlocking a world of
unprecedented connectivity. This network is not just a
technological breakthrough; it's a catalyst for inclusive, global
innovation – bringing high-quality, affordable connectivity to
every corner of the planet, revolutionizing industries from
agriculture to transportation, and enhancing lives in both urban
and remote communities."
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.
On May 31, 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 www.viasat.com,
the Viasat News Room or follow us
on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X or YouTube.
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 coverage, features,
availability, benefits and timing of the global direct-to-device
network. 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; operation of third
party networks and satellite technology; the ability of Viasat to
successfully integrate Inmarsat operations, technologies and
employees following the recent closing of the Inmarsat acquisition;
the ability to realize anticipated benefits and synergies of the
Inmarsat acquisition, including the expectation of enhancements to
Viasat's products and services, greater revenue or growth
opportunities, operating efficiencies and cost savings; the ability
to ensure continued performance and market growth of the combined
company's business; changes in the global business environment and
economic conditions; the availability and cost of credit; the
combined company's ability to successfully develop, introduce and
sell new technologies, products and services; the combined
company's reliance on a limited number of third parties to
manufacture and supply their respective products; the risk of
litigation or regulatory actions; Viasat's and the combined
company's level of indebtedness and ability to comply with
applicable debt covenants; and other factors affecting the
communications industry generally. In addition, please refer to the
risk factors contained in our SEC filings available at www.sec.gov,
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.
Copyright © 2023 Viasat, Inc. All rights reserved. Viasat,
the Viasat logo and the Viasat Signal are registered in the U.S and
in other countries to Viasat, Inc. All other product or company
names mentioned are used for identification purposes only and may
be trademarks of their respective owners.
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SOURCE Viasat, Inc.