Satellite Connectivity for Connected Cars

A joint study conducted by Viasat and the 5G Automotive Association examines the market demand for satellite-powered connectivity in connected vehicles, focusing on safety services, signal coverage limitations, and driver willingness to adopt non-terrestrial network solutions.

Context and Purpose of the Evaluation
The expansion of connected vehicle fleets has increased reliance on cellular infrastructure for features such as entertainment, breakdown assistance, and emergency calling systems. Despite the deployment of 4G and 5G networks, signal availability remains inconsistent across global transport corridors. The assessment evaluates the operational impact of coverage black spots and analyzes consumer readiness to adopt satellite-enabled connectivity to maintain continuous automotive telematics and safety features.

Implementation and Technical Methodology
The research methodology incorporates quantitative driver surveys across multiple international markets, analyzing mobile signal loss duration, geographic frequency of coverage gaps, and feature preferences for non-terrestrial network implementations. The evaluation categorizes driver demands into emergency safety services, real-time hazard identification, traffic management during disruptive events, and high-bandwidth data consumption use cases, establishing comparative metrics between regional markets such as Indonesia, India, Brazil, France, and other territories.

Applications and Quantifiable Impact
The primary technical applications of satellite-enabled automotive connectivity involve automated emergency response systems, collision detection signaling, and real-time geographic hazard notifications. Quantifiable findings indicate that 76 percent of surveyed drivers experience weekly mobile signal interruptions, with specific regional populations—such as in Indonesia—recording significant durations outside cellular range. Furthermore, 75 percent of respondents express a willingness to pay for satellite-based connectivity solutions. Among prioritized features, 43 percent identify emergency call systems as the most desirable application, while 17 percent prioritize real-time local hazard and traffic alerts. In addition, 45 percent of respondents indicate demand for high-bandwidth broadband services supporting video streaming and automated software updates.

Regarding the operational integration of these technologies, Andy Kessler, Vice President of Enterprise at Viasat, states that the research demonstrates consistent driver exposure to coverage gaps and confirms readiness for satellite-connected automotive solutions, emphasizing safety as the primary benefit enabled by reliable global connectivity. Olaf Eckart, 5GAA WI Non-Terrestrial Network Lead, notes that drivers actively seek satellite-based safety features such as emergency communications and real-time hazard alerts, supporting collaborative development across automakers, telecom providers, and technology partners to advance vehicle safety and mobility.

Edited by Maria Brueva, Induportals editor – adapted by AI.

www.5gaa.org