Cubic³ and Viasat partner to deliver global satellite connectivity for enhanced driver experience

Cubic³ has announced plans with Viasat to create a ubiquitous, seamless satellite connectivity service allowing drivers to make calls and access critical safety services from almost anywhere on Earth. Live trials of the new service will begin in 2025.  

The solution would see Viasat’s highly reliable L-band satellite network integrated with Cubic³’s cloud platform to create a ‘one-stop shop’ solution for automotive manufacturers. It means that drivers could access Viasat’s satellites to make calls, access real-time weather information, and send out emergency alerts or messages even from the most remote locations. It would also enable continuous vehicle tracking to notify recovery or emergency services automatically in case of a breakdown or collision.   

The move follows 3GPP Release 17 standards, which enable vehicles and other devices to connect directly to satellites without the need for dedicated satellite terminals or hardware. The standards are currently being adopted by the automotive industry to enable vehicles to connect to both cellular networks and satellites seamlessly to stay connected.  

Andy Kessler, Vice President, Viasat Enterprise, said: “3GPP Release 17 NTN services are set to shape a new world of experiences for the driver in the coming years: beginning with the ability to access emergency notifications, traffic management and remote vehicle access, with global satellite coverage. Open standards and collaboration across the ecosystem, like this project with Cubic, are set to bring major benefits to drivers, with a lot more features and services on the way.”  

Cubic³ currently connects millions of vehicles—12% of all connected vehicles sold worldwide—to more than 550 terrestrial networks (TNs) across 200 countries and territories. Its customers include major OEMs such as Volkswagen, Audi, Porsche, General Motors, CNH, and IVECO. This new collaboration marks a significant step toward realising the vision of a seamless ‘Ubiquitous Network,’ by integrating terrestrial and satellite-based non-terrestrial networks (NTN) to enable truly global vehicle connectivity.  

“Our collaboration with Viasat will bring the automotive sector closer to realising ubiquitous connectivity,” said Nick Power, Chief Technology Officer at Cubic³. “Most vehicles come equipped with advanced safety features, but many of these can’t function as intended when internet coverage isn’t available. This service will make driving in remote areas safer–and over time, it will also enable satellite-supported in-vehicle voice calls, marking a major step toward a seamless ubiquitous network spanning all corners of the globe.”