Drivers back satellite-linked cars for safety, study finds

Research published by Viasat and the 5G Automotive Association shows that most drivers would pay for satellite-connected car services, while weekly mobile signal loss is common among motorists.

The study surveyed 1,606 drivers across 10 countries. It found that 76% experience mobile signal loss every week, and 75% would be willing to pay for satellite-based connectivity in their vehicle.

The findings point to an opening for satellite links in cars as manufacturers add more connected features that have largely relied on 4G and 5G networks. For drivers, the main attraction was safety rather than entertainment.

Emergency calling ranked as the most desirable satellite-enabled service, chosen by 43% of respondents. Real-time local hazard and traffic alerts came next at 17%, while 10% prioritised traffic management during disaster situations.

This suggests drivers see satellite coverage primarily as a way to fill gaps in existing mobile networks rather than replace them. It also reflects a practical problem many motorists face when travelling through rural, remote or otherwise poorly served areas.

Regional split

The report also found significant differences between markets. In Indonesia, 66% of drivers said they spend at least an hour each week outside mobile coverage, compared with 33% in France.

India and Brazil also recorded relatively high levels of time spent without signal. Those markets were also among the strongest for willingness to pay for satellite-based connections, suggesting a link between patchy terrestrial coverage and demand for an alternative.

The survey covered drivers in the UK, the US, Indonesia, France, India, Canada, Japan, Germany and Brazil. The report listed France twice among the countries surveyed.

Alongside demand for safety functions, respondents also showed some interest in more data-intensive services. The research found that 45% would consider paying more than a standard satellite package for higher-bandwidth functions such as video streaming or automated software updates.

This suggests the long-term opportunity for carmakers and communications providers could extend beyond emergency use, although the initial appeal appears to rest on more basic continuity of service. The question for the industry is whether satellite can be integrated into vehicle systems in a way that consumers find both useful and affordable.

Viasat has been positioning satellite as a complement to terrestrial mobile coverage in transport and other sectors. It recently demonstrated integrated satellite voice calling inside a BMW in Munich, marking a step beyond early proof-of-concept work in automotive communications.

The 5G Automotive Association is a cross-industry group whose members include carmakers, suppliers, mobile operators and chip companies. It has been working on standards for connected mobility and vehicle communications. The report forms part of a wider series on standards-based non-terrestrial network services across consumer and industrial markets.

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."

Olaf Eckart, 5GAA WI Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) Lead, said: "The study has increased our confidence that there will be a market for satellite-based communication. Satellite-based safety services such as emergency calls and real-time hazard alerts will probably be a first step since these services are admired most by the drivers."