Viasat Demonstrates First D2D Messaging in Uzbekistan
Viasat says that it has completed a direct-to-device (D2D) demonstration in Uzbekistan, marking the first time satellite-enabled messaging has been shown on standard smartphones in the country.
The trial, carried out during the GSMA M360 Eurasia event in Samarkand, involved sending application-based messages between two commercial Android devices. One device connected via Viasat’s L-band satellite network using a companion device, while the other remained on a terrestrial cellular network.
The demonstration was conducted in collaboration with local stakeholders including the Ministry of Digital Technologies, UZ-SAT and Uztelecom, and used 3GPP-compliant NTN standards to validate interoperability between satellite and mobile networks.
Viasat’s approach relies on its existing Mobile Satellite Services (MSS) spectrum, allowing it to deliver connectivity without using terrestrial cellular spectrum or interfering with mobile networks. The company is positioning this as a way to extend coverage to underserved areas while working alongside operators rather than competing for spectrum.
While the setup still requires a companion device, the demonstration highlights the growing push toward integrating satellite connectivity into everyday mobile use cases, including messaging and push-to-talk services.
Viasat said it is continuing to explore similar applications across consumer and automotive sectors, alongside its broader work on global D2D services.