Viasat has demonstrated the first satellite-based SMS messaging between Android smartphones in Mexico. The test involved sending and receiving messages over Viasat’s I-4 F3 satellite, using 3GPP Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) standards. For the demonstration, one smartphone connected through satellite while the other used a traditional cellular network. Additional features such as SMS and push-to-talk capabilities were also shown using the HMD Offgrid device and Bullit application.
The messages relied on Viasat’s L-band satellite system, which uses NTN RAN and CORE infrastructure from Skylo, a partner in Viasat’s ecosystem. This approach is designed to allow regular mobile devices to connect directly to satellites without extra hardware, following new global standards under 3GPP release 17 that are being adopted by multiple industry players.
This technology aims to make it possible for everyday mobile phones to access satellite networks without interfering with existing terrestrial services. Viasat highlighted that their method uses already licensed spectrum dedicated for satellites, making future collaboration with mobile operators feasible. Similar demonstrations have previously been completed in India, the Middle East, Brazil, and Hawaii.
Hector Rivero, General Manager of Viasat Mexico, said: “Expanding our D2D innovation to Mexico demonstrates the potential it holds for the entire region. This technology has the ability to bridge the connectivity gap in areas where traditional services are unreliable or non-existent, opening up possibilities for millions of individuals and devices to connect through satellite. We are confident that this will have significant advantages for consumers and various industries worldwide, and we are thrilled to collaborate with our partners to bring it to fruition. Through this, we remain dedicated to our mission of connecting the unconnected.”
Viasat is also active in promoting open architecture standards-based direct-to-device (D2D) connectivity as a founding member of the Mobile Satellite Services Association (MSSA), which works with other organizations to advance mobile satellite communication.
Last month, Viasat announced a partnership with Space42—a UAE-based AI-driven space technology company—to create Equatys, a jointly held venture aimed at developing global D2D services and updating current Mobile Satellite Services (MSS) toward compatibility with 5G networks.
