Satellite communications specialist Viasat has joined the 5GAA alongside the world’s largest technology firms and automotive companies to support the development of connected transportation applications like autonomous vehicles and predictive safety and maintenance.
5GAA is a cross-industry organization that brings together automotive and technology companies to initiate a singular connectivity ecosystem for transportation – ‘cellular vehicle-to-everything (C-V2X).
C-V2X is a platform designed to enable vehicles to interact in real time with their surroundings, other vehicles, cyclists, pedestrians, road infrastructure, and mobile networks. 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 transportation, pedestrians and cyclists; and predicative maintenance alerts to prevent breakdowns.
Viasat is working on a direct-to-device ecosystem of chipset manufacturers, MNOs, OEMs and solution providers to complement its global MSS satellite network capabilities, which are already used for safety services at sea and air. Automotive industry applications over satellite are expected to include enabling calls for emergency calling and breakdowns and sensors to detect or avoid collisions.
Kevin Cohen, VP, Direct to Device Partnerships, Viasat, said, “By utilizing 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 on direct-to-device technology, will significantly enhance the 5GAA’s efforts to build a resilient and futureproof C-V2X ecosystem. Their expertise will help us explore new frontiers in vehicle-to-everything communication, especially in areas with limited terrestrial network coverage.”
