05/22/2026 | News release | Distributed by Public on 05/22/2026 03:25
05-22-2026
Viasat experts showcase direct-to-device connectivity for H.E. Mr. Sherzod Shermatov (centre), Minister of Digital Technologies for the Republic of Uzbekistan.
SAMARKAND, UZB., MAY, 22, 2026 - Viasat, Inc. (NASDAQ: VSAT), a global leader in satellite communications, has completed an in-country, first-of-its-kind direct-to-device demonstration in the republic of Uzbekistan - featuring application-based messaging on an Android smartphone.
The demonstration showcased smartphones sending and receiving messages over Viasat's highly reliable L-band satellite network using 3GPP Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) standards. In a country-first, application-based messages were shared across two mass-market Android smartphones, with one connected via satellite using a companion device, and the other to a traditional terrestrial cellular network.
D2D is a growing communications technology which allows everyday devices like mobile phones, vehicles, and IoT devices to connect to satellites, without the need for dedicated satellite terminals. The technology follows global mobile 3GPP release standards, which are being actively adopted by satellite operators, mobile network operators, chipset, and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).
The demos showcase the potential for satellites to expand connectivity to cell phones, vehicles, and industrial IoT devices within the country. Viasat's approach - using its existing satellite fleet using dedicated Mobile Satellite Services (MSS) spectrum - enables the company to work with mobile network operators and ecosystem vendors to provide services without sacrificing terrestrial spectrum or interfering with cellular networks.
"Countries emerging as technology leaders like the Republic of Uzbekistan are rightly excited about the potential for Non-Terrestrial Networks." Sandeep Moorthy, Senior Vice President, Advanced Non-Terrestrial Solutions at Viasat. "Through standards-based satellite connectivity, we can bring connectivity to millions more devices in areas currently underserved by cellular networks, with benefits for safety, sustainability and efficiency. We are delighted to be showcasing this potential with the Ministry and UZ-SAT, and would like to thank them for their continued collaboration."
Viasat is already addressing the expanding NTN market from multiple perspectives; completing consumer mobile demonstrations in multiple countries and working with automotive vendors to bring satellite connectivity to the sector.
The company has also announced it is working with Space42, the UAE-based AI-powered SpaceTech company, to form Equatys - a jointly held entity - to enable global D2D services and evolve existing Mobile Satellite Services (MSS) to a 5G network environment.
Sandeep Moorthy, Senior Vice President, Advanced Non-Terrestrial Solutions at Viasat.
Viasat is a global communications company that believes everyone and everything in the world can be connected. With offices in 24 countries around the world, our mission shapes how consumers, businesses, governments and militaries around the world communicate and connect. Viasat is developing the ultimate global communications network to power high-quality, reliable, secure, affordable, fast connections to positively impact people's lives anywhere they are - on the ground, in the air or at sea - while building a sustainable future in space. In May 2023, Viasat completed its acquisition of Inmarsat, combining the teams, technologies and resources of the two companies to create a new global communications partner. Learn more at www.viasat.com, the Viasat News Room or follow us on Facebook, Bluesky Instagram, LinkedIn, X or YouTube.
Copyright © 2026 Viasat, Inc. All rights reserved. Viasat, the Viasat logo and the Viasat Signal are registered in the U.S and in other countries to Viasat, Inc. All other product or company names mentioned are used for identification purposes only and may be trademarks of their respective owners.
Richard Jones, External Communications, Corporate & Commercial Services, [email protected]
Lisa Curran/Peter Lopez, Investor Relations, +1 (760) 476-2633, [email protected]
This press release contains forward-looking statements that are subject to the safe harbors created under the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Forward-looking statements include, among others, statements that refer to the availability, features, benefits, uses and performance of direct-to-device technology, including the solution offered by Viasat; and the successful formation and deployment of services by Equatys. Readers are cautioned that actual results could differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ include: risks associated with the construction, launch and operation of satellites, including the effect of any anomaly, operational failure or degradation in satellite performance; our ability to successfully develop, introduce and sell new technologies, products and services; future technological dependencies required to realize D2D platforms; technological enhancements required to provide direct-to-device and direct-to-handset solutions including technology provided by OEMs, MNOs, chipset manufacturers and other members of the ecosystem; the effect of adverse regulatory changes (including changes affecting spectrum availability or permitted uses) on our ability to sell or deploy our products and services; changes in the way others use spectrum; our inability to access additional spectrum, use spectrum for additional purposes, and/or operate satellites at additional orbital locations; competing uses of the same spectrum or orbital locations that we utilize or seek to utilize; and other factors affecting the connectivity sector, generally. In addition, please refer to the risk factors contained in our SEC filings available at www.sec.gov, including our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date on which they are made. We undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements for any reason.