High proportion of drivers report hitting signal ‘dead zones’ every week, with 75% willing to pay for satellite-connected services.

Survey, conducted by Viasat and 5G Automotive Association, also shows drivers heavily prioritize safety services, including real-time hazard warnings and emergency calls.

CARLSBAD, Calif., Aug, 6, 2026 –  A new study from Viasat Inc., a global leader in satellite communications, and the 5G Automotive Association (5GAA) has revealed drivers around the world say they regularly experience coverage ‘black spots’ and are willing to pay for satellite-powered services – especially when it comes to safety.

The number of ‘connected cars’ has grown in recent years, usually using 4G or 5G cellular connections to enable features like emergency calls, entertainment, and breakdown assistance. With road traffic injuries leaving between 20-50 million people with non-fatal injuries every year [1], automotive makers have continued to introduce new connected-safety features, for example SOS services which can detect serious collisions and automatically alert authorities via cellular.

Drivers want satellite-enabled safety services

Around three-quarters (76%) of drivers surveyed say they experience mobile signal losses every week, with some frequent drivers saying they spend more than four hours a week on the road without signal. When assessing connected services, 75% of drivers say they would be willing to pay for satellite-based connectivity.

The report shows that having an emergency call system was the top priority for many drivers, with 43% selecting it as their most desirable satellite-enabled service. Similarly, real-time alerts for local hazards and traffic problems were seen as indispensable by 17% of respondents, while traffic management during disaster situations was reported as crucial by 10%.

Regional differences in driver attitudes

The study also reveals critical regional differences. In Indonesia, for example, 66% of drivers spend at least an hour a week outside of mobile coverage – double that observed in France (33%). Similar challenges were reported in India and Brazil. This directly correlates with a heightened demand for dependable connectivity. Respondents in India, Indonesia, and Brazil show the highest willingness to pay for a satellite-based connection.

Interest in future applications

Looking ahead, drivers show willingness to pay more than a standard satellite bundle for premium broadband features, including 4K/8K video streaming or automated software updates. A substantial 45% of respondents also showed interest in these higher data broadband satellite services.

Andy Kessler, Vice President, Enterprise at Viasat said: “This research shows drivers do have to deal with long periods without coverage and are excited about the possibilities of the satellite-connected car. Safety will be the first and primary benefit, but a huge range of futuristic applications could be unlocked by consistent, reliable, global connectivity. We’re determined to work with the automotive industry and the wider ecosystem to bring standards-based solutions to market and open those benefits to drivers as soon as possible.”

“Drivers are eager for satellite-based safety services that provide features such as emergency calls and real-time hazard alerts,” said Olaf Eckart, 5GAA WI Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) Lead. “We take pride in our collaboration with top automakers, telecom providers, and technology partners, as we work together to advance the future of connected vehicles and improve safety, connectivity, and mobility for both drivers and communities.”

About the report

The report – The Great Connectivity Convergence: NTN in automotive – surveys 1,606 drivers across 10 countries, including the UK, USA, Indonesia, France, India, Canada, Japan, Germany, Brazil, and France, between October and November 2025. The survey asked drivers their views on possible satellite communication services, how important different connected car features are to them, and whether they would be willing to pay for these new satellite-powered options.

The report is part three of a series surveying consumers and industrial users about new standards-based Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) services in various markets. The first report – The Great Connectivity Convergence: NTN in Consumer Mobile – was conducted by Viasat and GSMA Intelligence and surveyed more than 12,000 mobile phone users to ask mobile customers about direct-to-device satellite services. The second report – NTN in Industrial IoT – assesses the use of NTN for industrial IoT applications across five major industries.

About The 5G Automotive Association

The 5G Automotive Association (5GAA) is a global, cross-industry of more than 100 members, including leading global automakers, Tier-1 suppliers, mobile operators, semiconductor companies, and test equipment vendors. 5GAA members work together to develop end-to-end solutions for future mobility and transport services. 5GAA is committed to helping define and develop the next generation of connected mobility, automated vehicles, and intelligent transport solutions based on C-V2X. For more information about 5GAA, please visit www.5gaa.org or follow us on LinkedIn, X and YouTube.

Copyright © 2026 5GAA. All Rights Reserved. No part may be reproduced except as authorised by written permission. The copyright and the foregoing restriction extend to reproduction in all media.

About 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 LinkedIn, X, Instagram, Facebook, Bluesky, Threads, and YouTube.

Copyright © 2026 Viasat, Inc. All rights reserved. Viasat, the Viasat logo and the Viasat Signal are registered trademarks in the U.S. and in other countries of Viasat, Inc. All other product or company names mentioned are used for identification purposes only and may be trademarks of their respective owners.

Viasat, Inc. Contacts

Richard Jones, External Communications, Corporate & Commercial Services, +44 7843 819 611, Richard.Jones@viasat.com  

Lisa Curran/Peter Lopez, Investor Relations, IR@viasat.com

Forward-Looking Statements

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 pace of adoption of D2D and NTN services and Viasat’s ability to capitalize on market opportunities.  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; changes in relationships with, or the financial condition of, key customers or suppliers; our reliance on third parties to supply our services; and the effect of adverse regulatory changes . 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.

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[1] World Health Organization | Road Traffic Injuries | https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/road-traffic-injuries

As part of the 39th 5GAA Meeting Week, 5GAA is hosting the Conference “Connecting India for Safer Roads: Advancing Mobility for All” and Live Technology Demonstrations on 29 October 2026 in New Delhi, India.

This half-day, in-person event offers a unique opportunity for policymakers, regulators, industry representatives, and mobility stakeholders to engage directly with over 100 leading voices from the automotive, telecommunication, and technology sectors in India and worldwide.

Don’t miss the opportunity to discuss how C-V2X and connected mobility solutions can enhance safety, improve traffic efficiency and support the future of transportation in India and beyond.

Conference Topics

• The state of play and roadmap for C-V2X deployment in India
• The role of connectivity in supporting road safety, traffic efficiency, and automated driving
• Policy, regulatory, and spectrum considerations for large-scale deployment
• Cross-industry collaboration between the automotive, telecom, and infrastructure ecosystems
• Lessons learned from global deployments and their relevance for regional implementation

Preliminary Agenda available here.

Registration is open!

If you would like to attend the 5GAA Conference & Live Technology Demonstrations, please contact us at secretariat@5gaa.org

Places are limited, and we encourage you to register as soon as possible to secure your participation.

Registration will close on 28 October 2026.

More information coming soon!

The 39th 5GAA Meeting Week will be held in New Delhi, India, from 26–29 October 2026!

Our gathering later this year will bring together 5GAA members, partners, and key industry stakeholders to exchange insights, explore the latest advancements in connected mobility, and collaborate on shaping the future of C-V2X in India and worldwide.

5GAA Members, get ready to connect, collaborate, and innovate as we advance the future of mobility.

Registration is open for 5GAA members and partners!

If you would like to attend the full 5GAA Meeting Week, please contact us at secretariat@5gaa.org before 12 October.

Places are limited, and we encourage you to register as soon as possible to secure your participation.

5GAA Side Activities

As part of the 39th 5GAA Meeting Week, 5GAA is hosting the Conference “Connecting India for Safer Roads: Advancing Mobility for All” and Live Technology Demonstrations on 29 October 2026 in New Delhi, India.

This half-day, in-person event offers a unique opportunity for policymakers, regulators, industry representatives, and mobility stakeholders to engage directly with over 100 leading voices from the automotive, telecommunication, and technology sectors in India and worldwide.

Registration is open to guests and interested participants. To secure your place, register before the deadline of 28 October 2026.

If you would like to attend the 5GAA Conference & Live Technology Demonstrations, please contact us at secretariat@5gaa.org

Find out more information about the Side Activities and the Preliminary Agenda here.

5GAA Policy Conferences and Live Technology Demonstrations convene key decision-makers, industry leaders, and ecosystem partners across major regions to advance the deployment of connected mobility. Held in the US, Europe, and Asia, these events provide a dedicated platform to align on regulatory priorities, share regional insights, and showcase real-world progress through live demonstrations and use cases.

The 5G Automotive Association (5GAA) showcased how connected mobility services can operate at scale, presenting live demonstrations of real-time road-work safety on a Swedish highway, satellite connectivity, safety, and cooperative sensing at the AstaZero Proving Ground at RISE in Sweden.

“These demonstrations show how connected mobility and infrastructure technologies are progressing from testing to real‑world deployment,” said Christof Schmidt, Director General of 5GAA. “They offer a promising perspective for scaling these services across Europe.”

5GAA members Bosch and Cubic³ presented satellite-enabled commercial fleet management, showing how logistics and commercial vehicles can remain connected even outside terrestrial coverage. Technology partners Vedecom, Rolling Wireless, Rohde & Schwarz, Cubic³, Skylo and Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. showed how emergency voice calls can be handled via satellite, ensuring drivers can reach assistance even in areas with limited coverage.

Road safety and coordinated traffic operations were another key focus. BMW, Bosch, and RISE demonstrated how live road-work situations can be monitored in real time, allowing road operators to assess risk, adapt operations to protect workers and road users, and display hazard warnings to drivers. Building on this, Monotch showed how road-work warning data can be shared across country borders while maintaining data quality and governance. Vehicle-focused demonstrations by Ericsson, JOYNEXT, Vodafone and Qualcomm Technologies highlighted large-scale connectivity testing and interoperable V2X safety messaging. Qualcomm Technologies also demonstrated the concurrent reception of 5G-V2X and ITS-G5 messages on a single chipset.

Emergency communications demonstrations by Qualcomm Technologies and Rohde & Schwarz illustrated how hybrid eCall solutions maintain service continuity when network conditions change, and Anritsu and LG Electronics demonstrated an end-to-end hybrid eCall solution, verifying interoperability, network switching behaviour, and compliance with standards across multi-generation cellular networks.

The programme also featured two Bosch demonstrations. One, about cooperative sensing, showed how shared radar data from vehicles and infrastructure improves hazard detection in complex traffic situations. A second showed how real-time cloud-enhanced ADAS enables advanced road-sign recognition.

Together, the 5GAA Demonstrations underscore how connected mobility technologies are being applied in real-world traffic conditions and across borders, positioning the Nordic region as a reference point for scaling connected mobility across Europe.

More details are available in the 5GAA Demonstrations Brochure here.

Full Press Release available here.

Media Contact

Victoria Bech | marcom@5gaa.org | +32 472 66 61 17 | www.5gaa.org

5GAA will be represented at AutoTech 2026, taking place in Novi from 2 to 4 June 2026.

As part of the programme, Qualcomm’s Andres Castrillon, 5GAA Working Group US Co-Lead, will moderate the session “Evolving Partnerships with Connectivity and Software Innovations” on 4 June, from 13:45 to 14:30 (ET).

The session will explore how evolving partnerships across the automotive, connectivity, and software ecosystems are enabling new vehicle architectures and business models, with a particular focus on connectivity-driven and software-defined innovation. Andres will be joined by representatives from Stellantis, General Motors, AT&T, and Karma Automotive.

5GAA welcomes the visibility of its members and leadership at AutoTech 2026 and looks forward to continued engagement across the connected mobility ecosystem.

Find out more information about the event, as well as how to register, on the event website.

5GAA will be present at the ITS America Congress & Expo, taking place in Detroit from 9 to 12 June 2026.

As part of the programme, 5GAA CTO Maxime Flament will participate in the Special Interest Session “Unlocking the Future: Vehicle-to-Network (V2N) Readiness and Benefits“, scheduled for 10 June, from 14:30 to 15:30 (local time). The session is organised by 5GAA member University of Michigan and will focus on the role of V2N connectivity in enabling future connected and cooperative mobility services.

Moreover, 5GAA’s WG6-US lead Brad Stertz (Audi), will represent 5GAA in the session “Connected Roads: V2X and the Future of Electronic Tolling”, taking place on June 12, from 10.30AM to 11.30AM (local time). The session will also welcome 5GAA member Indra, alongside other industry stakeholders from the region.

Finally, our members will be active on site with sessions, panels, workshops and demos. Discover where to find them and don’t miss out on their innovations and insights!

5GAA looks forward to engaging with members and stakeholders during the Congress in Detroit. If you are interested in scheduling a meeting with our CTO or if you are a 5GAA member organizing a session, technology demonstration or side activity during the event, do not hesitate to contact us at marcom@5gaa.org.

Find out more on the event website.

The 5G Automotive Association (5GAA) and the 6G Smart Networks and Services Industry Association (6G-IA) have renewed their Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), reinforcing their long-standing collaboration for 5G infrastructure deployment for mobility.

“This renewed agreement strengthens the bridge between current 5G deployment and the evolution towards 6G, ensuring that future networks are shaped by the needs of the automotive and mobility ecosystem from the outset. Working closely with 6G‑IA allows us to align innovation, trials, and standardisation with real deployment priorities,” said Christof Schmidt, Director General of the 5GAA.

“This agreement between the 5G Automotive Association and the 6G Smart Networks and Services Industry Association is vital to ensure that we maximise the impact of 5G technology and ensure that 6G technology is developed in a manner that takes the requirements of the automotive industry into account”, said Dr Colin Willcock, Chairman of the 6G-IA.

5GAA is partnering up for the future with many different players. Find out more about our ecosystem here

In collaboration with our local host, RISE Research Institutes of Sweden, the 5GAA Conference “From the Nordics to Europe: Scaling Digital Transport Services Across Borders” will bring together national road authorities, infrastructure operators, municipalities, OEMs and technology partners to present the concrete deployment of digital transport systems across the Nordic region—complete with Live Technology Demonstrations in the afternoon.

Date & Location

23 April 2026 | Gothenburg, Sweden

Discover the Full Agenda

Discover the key issues that will define the digitalisation of the Nordic transport system, policy direction, infrastructure priorities, and cross-border ambitions in the Nordic Region.

Explore the full agenda with confirmed sessions and speakers here!

Experience the Technology

In the afternoon, attendees will engage with cutting-edge Live C-V2X Technology Demonstrations.  Access the 5GAA Demos Brochure and learn more about what to expect in AstaZero!

5GAA is bringing together top global players—from automakers to telecom giants—for groundbreaking demonstrations of connected vehicle technology, including an exclusive showcase of:

• Satellite Connectivity: These demos show vehicles staying connected through non-terrestrial networks. From satellite-enabled commercial fleet management to 3GPP-compliant satellite-supported emergency voice calls.

• Safe & Smart Roads: These demos highlight real-time safety intelligence, cross-border data exchange, and cloud-enhanced vehicle services.

• Cooperative Perception: This demo showcases how cooperative radar significantly enhances situational awareness by merging sensor data from multiple sources.

Contact Information

Stay tuned for more information, event highlights, and key takeaways!

If you wish to participate or cover the event, please get in touch with us at secretariat@5gaa.org!

We look forward to welcoming you to Gothenburg for this landmark event in C-V2X collaboration and global smart mobility.

Join 5GAA at Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2026, taking place 2–5 March at Fira Gran Via, Barcelona, to discover how connected-vehicle technologies are evolving to meet mission-critical demands.

Through its presence at the show and visits to members’ stands, 5GAA highlights the full vehicle connectivity ecosystem—from automotive OEMs and Tier-1 suppliers to mobile network operators and test & measurement leaders.

Across the ecosystem, members showcase how 5G cellular connectivity, non-terrestrial networks (NTN), multi-access edge computing (MEC), AI, and advanced positioning and sensing technologies are coming together to deliver ubiquitous, resilient, and ultra-low-latency connectivity.

More than a series of demos, this collective showcase tells a single story: how cross-industry collaboration is turning connectivity into a mission-critical vehicle capability, enabling safer roads, smarter mobility, and the next generation of automated driving.

Visit the 5GAA booth in Hall 6, Stand 6G25, and tour our members’ stands to see firsthand how cross-industry collaboration is shaping the future of connected and resilient mobility.

Exclusive Press Tour

Media representatives are invited to take part in a guided press tour, offering expert insights from 5GAA CTO Maxime Flament and members of the 5GAA Board of Directors, including representatives from BMW, HARMAN, and Cubic³.

The tour will also include exclusive visits to the exhibition stands of Viasat (featuring Cubic³), HARMAN, Nokia, Keysight Technologies, Anritsu (featuring Valeo), and Rohde & Schwarz, providing journalists with first-hand access to the latest innovations and demonstrations.

Discover more by reading our media kit for the tour!

Journalists wishing to participate are invited to register by contacting marcom@5gaa.org.

5GAA at MWC 2026

Our CTO Maxime Flament will speak at two key sessions throughout the week, including:
– Smart Mobility Summit: Built for Tomorrow – Infrastructure for Intelligent Mobility
– GSMA’s Global 5G Alliances Summit: From Connectivity to Intellegent Industry and Ecosystem

For more information, meeting requests, or press inquiries, contact the 5GAA Marketing and Communications team at marcom@5gaa.org.

Join 5GAA at Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2026, taking place 2–5 March at Fira Gran Via, Barcelona, to discover how connected-vehicle technologies are evolving to meet mission-critical demands.

5GAA booth in Hall 6, Stand 6G25

Through its presence at the show and visits to members’ stands, 5GAA highlights the full vehicle connectivity ecosystem—from automotive OEMs and Tier-1 suppliers to mobile network operators and test & measurement leaders.

Across the ecosystem, members showcase how 5G cellular connectivity, non-terrestrial networks (NTN), multi-access edge computing (MEC), AI, and advanced positioning and sensing technologies are coming together to deliver ubiquitous, resilient, and ultra-low-latency connectivity.

More than a series of demos, this collective showcase tells a single story: how cross-industry collaboration is turning connectivity into a mission-critical vehicle capability, enabling safer roads, smarter mobility, and the next generation of automated driving.

Visit the 5GAA booth in Hall 6, Stand 6G25, and tour our members’ stands to see firsthand how cross-industry collaboration is shaping the future of connected and resilient mobility.

Exclusive Press Tour

Media representatives are invited to take part in a guided press tour, offering expert insights from 5GAA CTO Maxime Flament and members of the 5GAA Board of Directors, including representatives from BMW, HARMAN, and Cubic³.

The tour will also include exclusive visits to the exhibition stands of Viasat (featuring Cubic³), HARMAN, Nokia, Keysight Technologies, Anritsu (featuring Valeo), and Rohde & Schwarz, providing journalists with first-hand access to the latest innovations and demonstrations.

Discover more by reading our media kit for the tour!

Journalists wishing to participate are invited to register by contacting marcom@5gaa.org.

5GAA at MWC 2026

Our CTO Maxime Flament will speak at two key sessions throughout the week, including:
– Smart Mobility Summit: Built for Tomorrow – Infrastructure for Intelligent Mobility
– GSMA’s Global 5G Alliances Summit: From Connectivity to Intellegent Industry and Ecosystem

For more information, meeting requests, or press inquiries, contact the 5GAA Marketing and Communications team at marcom@5gaa.org.