News

UAE’s Yahsat Introduces Smartphone-To-Satellite Connectivity

The service also allows seamless connectivity for IoT (Internet of Things) devices, and works irrespective of geographical location.

Published

10 months ago

February 19, 2024

Nour Nasir

uae's yahsat introduces smartphone to satellite connectivity

Yahsat, a satellite services firm based in Abu Dhabi, has initiated a groundbreaking service known as “direct-2-device”, enabling seamless connectivity for smartphones and IoT (Internet of Things) devices, irrespective of geographical location.

In its initial phase, Yahsat aims to provide voice and messaging services within the current year, with plans to expand its offerings to include texting and IoT functionalities on smartphones by 2025, utilizing the forthcoming Yahsat Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO) satellites, slated for launch later in the year.

A subsequent phase, dubbed Project BlueStar, is set to facilitate comprehensive direct-to-device connectivity through an adaptable satellite network.

This two-phase deployment encompasses voice, messaging, and data. Yahsat is set to provide a sneak peek of its D2D portfolio at the Mobile World Congress 2024 in Barcelona later this month.

The integration of satellite-linked features into mobile devices is gaining traction. Owners of Apple’s iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 15, or iPhone 15 Pro can already connect to satellites for emergency texting services, and similar connectivity may soon become a standard smartphone feature.

ali al hashemi yahsat group ceo

“We are excited to launch our D2D strategy to revolutionize our industry by providing billions of people, organizations and businesses across various sectors with seamless, reliable and efficient access to connectivity,” said Ali Al Hashemi, Group CEO.

“This strategy is a critical and significant part of Yahsat’s wider growth strategy. We developed our D2D strategy – Project SKY, by carefully examining our strengths and capabilities and leveraging our expertise to capitalize on evolving market conditions,” he added.

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Yahsat’s five satellites currently cover over 80% of the global population and deliver C, Ku, Ka, and L-band satellite communication solutions to consumers, governments, and businesses across various land, maritime, and aerospace platforms.

In 2020, Yahsat commenced the construction of Thuraya 4, an advanced telecommunications system for Thuraya, scheduled for launch in 2024 and operational by 2025. Additionally, construction began last year on two ‘software-defined’ telecommunication satellites, Al Yah 4 and Al Yah 5, anticipated to be launched in 2027 and 2028, respectively.

News

Viasat Satellite Messaging Tech Showcased In Saudi Arabia

The direct-to-device (D2D) demonstration highlighted the technology’s potential to revolutionize remote communication.

Published

3 days ago

November 28, 2024

Nour Nasir

viasat satellite messaging tech showcased in saudi arabia

Satellite communications firm Viasat announced yesterday that it had completed its first demonstration of direct-to-device (D2D) satellite connectivity technology in Saudi Arabia. The live broadcast took place during the “Connecting the World from the Skies” event in Riyadh, organized by Saudi Arabia’s Communications, Space & Technology Commission (CST) alongside the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).

Attendees witnessed successful satellite-based two-way messaging and SOS alerts sent using commercial Android smartphones and a combination of Viasat’s robust L-band satellite network and the Bullitt over-the-top messaging app. Signals were transmitted using the company’s L-band spacecraft positioned over the Indian Ocean, while the infrastructure for 3GPP NTN services was deployed by Viasat’s partner Skylo.

Sandeep Moorthy, Viasat’s Chief Technical Officer, emphasized the significance of the demonstration, explaining, “By expanding our direct-to-device innovation to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, we’re showcasing the potential for D2D services in the fast-growing Gulf and Asia-Pacific region. D2D could help reduce barriers to connectivity in regions where terrestrial services are spotty and unavailable to help transform industries and supply chains, enable new opportunities, and to become more efficient, sustainable and safer. We’d like to thank the CST for their support in carrying out this exciting demonstration”.

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D2D technology allows devices like smartphones, vehicles, and industrial equipment to connect seamlessly to both satellite and terrestrial networks. Unlike traditional satellite setups, D2D eliminates the need for extra hardware, thanks to emerging global standards that are gaining traction among satellite operators, mobile network providers, and tech manufacturers.

What makes this approach particularly promising is that Viasat uses a licensed, dedicated satellite spectrum to deliver its D2D services. This avoids any interference with existing terrestrial networks, allowing smooth integration with mobile network operators in the future.

The demonstration clearly showed the potential of D2D technology to bridge connectivity gaps in remote regions while opening up opportunities for innovation, improved safety, sustainability, and efficiency.