ViaSat demonstrates direct-to-device satellite connectivity in India

Viasat announced it has demonstrated direct-to-device satellite connectivity in India for the first time. Working alongside partner BSNL, India’s telecommunications provider, Viasat engineers showcased satellite-powered two-way messaging services for attendees at India Mobile Congress – one of Asia’s largest technology fairs. Viasat is currently working with its partners, including BSNL in India, to power the expansion of satellite services on consumer and IoT devices across the world. In the trial, Viasat demonstrated two-way messaging and SoS messaging using a commercial Android smartphone enabled for non-terrestrial network, or NTN, connectivity. The messages were sent roughly 36,000km to one of Viasat’s geostationary L-band satellites. The outcome proves satellite services to cell phone connectivity is technically feasible for Indian consumers and businesses using Viasat’s satellite network.