Cubic Corporation and Viasat Inc. have joined forces to redefine the capabilities of connected vehicles through satellite-based internet services. As global mobility trends shift toward seamless, high-bandwidth automotive experiences, the need for dependable, high-speed in-vehicle connectivity continues to expand. From real-time navigation to streaming media and over-the-air software updates, drivers and passengers expect uninterrupted digital access regardless of location.

Satellite communications now play a critical role in meeting these demands, particularly in remote or underserved areas where terrestrial networks fall short. This collaboration between Cubic and Viasat integrates advanced satellite connectivity into automotive ecosystems, pushing the boundaries of what connected transportation can deliver. The following breakdown explores how this strategic partnership enhances the on-the-road experience through innovation in satellite technology, network integration, and passenger-centric design.

Satellite Connectivity: Redefining Transportation Infrastructure

Integrating Satellite Technology into Automotive Ecosystems

Satellite communication systems have shifted from defense-heavy applications to becoming central components of advanced transportation networks. In modern automotive ecosystems, these systems facilitate always-on connectivity for software updates, infotainment, driver assistance, and emergency response. Satellite links extend the digital envelope beyond cities and highways, ensuring vehicles remain connected far from terrestrial cell towers.

For OEMs and mobility providers, integrating satellite antennas and modems into vehicles opens new lanes for data flow. These components connect directly to geostationary or low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, maintaining contact even when crossing deserts, mountain ranges, or oceans. This integration supports over-the-air updates (OTA), fleet telematics, AI-based route planning, and immersive in-cabin experiences.

How Satellite Stacks Up Against Terrestrial Connectivity

Cellular networks—especially 4G and 5G—offer high data rates and low latency in metro areas, but they remain constrained by coverage gaps. Along rural routes, transcontinental highways, or across border regions, 5G signals can quickly drop to 3G or disappear. Satellite networks, in contrast, offer consistent beam coverage regardless of surrounding terrain or population density.

While latency on geostationary systems can reach 600 milliseconds, LEO satellite constellations reduce that figure substantially. Services from emerging LEO operators have demonstrated round-trip latencies between 30 to 50 milliseconds—comparable to 4G under load. For streaming media, real-time navigation, and cloud-based vehicle systems, this performance ensures parity with terrestrial services in many contexts.

Unlocking Borderless Connectivity

One core advantage of satellite communication is its inherently global reach. A single satellite beam can cover thousands of square kilometers, crossing national borders without needing tower agreements or local infrastructure. For connected vehicles, this bypasses roaming costs, removes dead zones, and enables a synchronous digital experience no matter where the vehicle travels.

• In transnational logistics operations, satellite ensures vehicles stay linked from departure to final destination.
• Emergency services benefit from assured communication even in disaster-hit or remote zones.
• Recreational vehicles and long-haul truckers gain full access to navigation, entertainment, and diagnostics on isolated routes.

The gap between where vehicles operate and where terrestrial networks reach has always been a limiting factor. Satellite doesn't bridge that gap—it removes it entirely.

Meet the Visionaries: Inside Viasat and Cubic

Viasat: Driving Technological Change Through the Sky

Viasat ranks among the global leaders in high-capacity satellite broadband. With operations on every continent, the company designs and launches advanced satellite systems engineered for uninterrupted global coverage. Their satellite network architecture matches bandwidth with demand, reducing latency while achieving unmatched throughput rates.

Their core focus spans several strategic sectors. In aviation, Viasat powers in-flight Wi-Fi for major international carriers, offering passengers streaming-level internet at cruising altitude. In defense, tactical communications solutions support military operations in contested environments. Enterprise clients rely on their fixed and mobile services to maintain secure, high-throughput connectivity across remote branches.

In the automotive industry, Viasat crafts satellite-enabled systems that guarantee internet access across variable terrains—highways, mountains, urban centers, and rural corridors alike. Their technology architecture accommodates automotive-grade hardware, providing scalable data streams for vehicles in motion.

Cubic Corporation: Engineering Smarter Transportation Ecosystems

Cubic Corporation stands at the forefront of transportation technology and integrated communication systems. Renowned for transforming how cities move, Cubic designs the brains behind intelligent urban mobility—from traveler information platforms to fare payment systems and traffic flow optimization tools.

Their innovations touch everyday life in tangible ways: powering contactless fare systems for multimodal transit, embedding connectivity into mass transport infrastructure, and enabling dynamic mobility-as-a-service platforms. With a legacy rooted in providing mission-critical solutions, Cubic brings real-time analytics and secure data exchange into smart transportation networks.

Beyond public infrastructure, Cubic’s expertise extends into defense communications and training systems, emphasizing interoperability, resilience, and precision time-synchronized data exchange—key components that carry over into their automotive ventures.

Together, Viasat and Cubic blend aerospace-grade data delivery with street-level transportation intelligence. Ready to explore what this partnership unlocks on the road?

The Solution: Seamless Global In-Vehicle Internet

A Connected Ecosystem Backed by Robust Technology

By aligning the power of Cubic's intelligent vehicle platforms with the global coverage of Viasat’s satellite communications network, the joint solution creates a high-speed data environment that extends beyond borders. This partnership delivers broadband-grade internet inside moving vehicles—whether cruising down rural highways, navigating industrial zones, or crossing international frontiers.

How the Integration Works

Viasat's geostationary satellite constellation delivers IP-based connectivity with data throughput rates reaching up to 100 Mbps per vehicle. This satellite backbone integrates directly with Cubic’s connected vehicle modules, built to interface seamlessly with modern vehicle infotainment architectures. Together, they form an in-vehicle Wi-Fi system capable of persistent, two-way communication—even in regions where cellular coverage degrades or disappears entirely.

Vehicles Become Mobile Hotspots

This architecture transforms any compatible vehicle into a full-fledged mobile hotspot. As soon as the ignition engages, the onboard system connects with the nearest Viasat satellite. Within seconds, users in and around the vehicle access a secure Wi-Fi experience tailored for high-bandwidth activities.

• Streaming: Passengers launch video and music streaming services without buffering interruptions, thanks to the consistent downlink speeds.
• Navigation: Real-time map updates and traffic rerouting remain accurate, even in remote zones lacking cell reception.
• Synchronized services: Cloud-based diagnostics, over-the-air software updates, and remote functionality management operate continuously across global networks.

The Hardware and Software Driving It

The system uses Cubic’s telematics control units (TCUs), which house embedded processors and communication modules designed for rugged automotive environments. These units integrate GPS, LTE fallback, and proprietary firmware that manages satellite handoffs. Coordinating the backend, Viasat’s Network Operations Center monitors satellite load balancing and packet routing to maximize uptime and data integrity.

On the software side, both partners contribute orchestration platforms. Cubic's fleet management dashboards and edge-layer protocols optimize data use inside the vehicle, while Viasat’s cloud infrastructure handles authentication, data security, and billing aggregation on a global scale.

What emerges is a reliable, global internet solution tailored to drivers, passengers, and vehicle manufacturers—engineered with scale, mobility, and end-user experience in mind.

Enhancing the Driver & Passenger Experiences

Seamless satellite connectivity from the Cubic and Viasat partnership transforms how drivers and passengers interact with their vehicles. The integration delivers consistent, global internet coverage, closing the gap between urban routes and remote journeys.

Real-Time Navigation Without Disruptions

GPS navigation depends on uninterrupted data flow. With Viasat’s high-capacity satellite network behind the wheel, real-time routing, traffic updates, hazard detection, and rerouting remain accurate—even in signal-dead zones like mountains, deserts, or rural highways. Navigation systems will no longer rely solely on terrestrial cell towers, eliminating blackouts and bolstering route reliability across borders.

In-Car Entertainment with Minimal Latency

Streaming no longer pauses at the edge of cellular coverage. Passengers can access video, music, and live media while traveling, supported by Viasat’s low-latency satellite links. Average latency across its satellite service ranges from 600 to 800 milliseconds, low enough to stream HD video and conduct real-time audio conversations without stuttering. Whether it’s catching up on a live sports event or syncing a personal playlist, passengers experience a fluid, uninterrupted entertainment stream throughout the journey.

Seamless Internet Access Boosts Satisfaction

Internet access directly correlates with passenger satisfaction. In a 2023 Deloitte Global Automotive Consumer Study, 76% of surveyed consumers across North America and Europe prioritized in-vehicle connectivity as a key decision factor in choosing a car. With Viasat’s satellite technology embedded via Cubic platforms, every seat becomes a hotspot. Wi-Fi flows throughout the cabin, enabling work, browsing, video calls, or mobile gaming—anywhere the road leads.

Connected Vehicles Become Smarter & More Responsive

Sophisticated vehicle functions—from dynamic cruise control to predictive maintenance—require uninterrupted access to cloud-based systems. Satellite-powered connectivity guarantees these advanced features operate without delay. Over-the-air (OTA) updates complete regardless of geography. Telemetry systems, safety networks, and vehicle-to-infrastructure platforms stay connected without tethering to inconsistent ground-based signals.

• OTA software updates delivered without waiting for network access
• Telematics data shared instantly with fleet systems
• Vehicle diagnostics sent to service platforms in real time
• Voice assistants function even in cellular dead zones

This fusion of always-on connectivity elevates both routine and long-haul trips into a streamlined experience where technology doesn’t pause with the road signs.

Shaping Transportation's Future: Industry-Wide Impacts of the Cubic-Viasat Partnership

Reflecting the Acceleration of Automotive Connectivity Trends

The alliance between Cubic and Viasat demonstrates a broader industry pivot toward always-on, high-performance connectivity in vehicles. Automakers are embedding satellite-backed solutions into next-gen models to support infotainment, over-the-air updates, diagnostics, and real-time communication. Between 2023 and 2030, the connected car market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 18.1%, reaching $173.8 billion by 2030, according to Precedence Research. This partnership rides the wave of that growth, reinforcing the expectation that internet-powered mobility will evolve into the industry standard.

Scaling Smarter Transportation Systems Globally

By enabling global satellite access independent of terrestrial infrastructure, Cubic and Viasat are pushing intelligent transport systems (ITS) beyond dense urban centers. This expands access to remote and rural zones, where cellular coverage lacks reliability. Governments and municipalities deploying advanced traffic management and vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) platforms can now integrate satellite data streams for uninterrupted functionality.

• Autonomous vehicle testing in low-coverage regions becomes viable.
• Fleet operators gain consistent access to geolocation and route optimization tools anywhere on the planet.
• Public transit systems can deliver more accurate arrival times and service insights to passengers even in patchy signal areas.

Accelerating Innovation in Telematics and Interconnected Services

At the heart of this initiative is the capacity to move vast amounts of vehicle and passenger data quickly and securely. Satellite connectivity allows for constant syncing with cloud platforms, helping manufacturers and service providers derive real-time analytics. Telematics solutions—covering everything from engine performance to driver behavior—can now transmit live data streams globally.

Edge computing, AI-assisted route planning, and remote diagnostics all benefit significantly. Vehicle software updates that once relied on dealership stops now occur over satellite in motion. Service uptime increases, customer support improves, and OEMs reduce total cost of ownership by streamlining maintenance cycles.

Enabling Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) with Unbroken Connectivity

Mobility-as-a-Service platforms link multimodal transport options through digital interfaces. The Cubic-Viasat cooperation ensures these platforms don’t drop offline when crossing network gaps. Whether a ride-sharing vehicle cruises through a tunnel, a high-speed train barrels through a countryside, or a rental car travels off-grid, connectivity remains constant.

This has direct implications on:

• Payment systems: Contactless fare transactions work seamlessly across borders and network zones.
• Navigation engines: Real-time traffic overlays, congestion warnings, and reroutes stay available without signal drop.
• End-user communication: Passengers maintain access to support, flight check-ins, and itinerary platforms while on the move.

With consistent connectivity backing every mode of transport in the MaaS ecosystem, journey planning becomes frictionless, and service providers can maintain experience quality regardless of geography.

Expanding Global Internet Access for Businesses on the Move

Empowering Real-Time Data for Commercial Fleets and Mobile Operations

Reliable, high-speed internet delivered via satellite enables fleet operators to capture, process, and act on real-time data at any point on the map. Logistics companies use this persistent connectivity to monitor vehicle diagnostics, update routing based on live traffic analytics, and synchronize deliveries through centralized platforms.

With Viasat and Cubic’s global partnership, commercial fleets no longer rely on patchy terrestrial connections. Vehicle telemetry, driver behavior data, and cargo tracking flow continuously, optimizing efficiency and reducing downtime. Fleet managers gain full visibility, even across continents, enabling faster decision-making and more agile logistics chains.

Enhancing Operational Capabilities for Transportation Infrastructure

Beyond the vehicles themselves, the benefit extends to the providers of transportation infrastructure. Satellite-powered connectivity supports remote traffic sensors, toll collection systems, and rail network controls in areas where fiber is not a viable option. These systems require constant, secure data exchange to function optimally—something satellite coverage ensures.

Through this integrated connectivity, road operators and transit authorities can detect congestion earlier, reassign resources, and communicate updates in real time to both control centers and affected travelers.

Fueling Location-Based Services in the Logistics Sector

Location-based tools in logistics—such as dynamic routing, geofencing, and delivery verification—are only as strong as the networks they depend on. By linking fleets and transport assets to fast, always-on internet access across the globe, Cubic and Viasat elevate the accuracy and responsiveness of these tools.

• Dynamic route optimization updates vehicle paths on the fly to avoid delays.
• Asset geofencing triggers alerts anytime a cargo departs a predefined zone.
• Location-tracked proof of delivery expedites invoicing and dispute resolution.

These capabilities become more consistent and scalable when freed from the constraints of regional mobile or Wi-Fi networks.

Opportunities in Remote and Underserved Regions

Satellite internet overcomes one of the transportation industry's oldest challenges: limited service coverage in isolated areas. From vast rural highways to oil fields and mining sites, consistent connectivity empowers mobile businesses to operate at full digital capacity—even hundreds of miles from urban infrastructure.

Is your business navigating remote terrain? Fleet data doesn't need to go dark anymore. Dispatchers can stay in contact. Onboard systems stay updated. And digital transactions—once impossible in low-connectivity zones—become routine. In frontier markets or disaster response efforts, this kind of resilient connectivity shifts the operational ceiling upward.

The Power of Industry Partnerships

Connected Innovation Emerges from Strategic Collaboration

When companies like Cubic and Viasat join forces, the impact moves beyond technical integration. These partnerships create momentum in sectors demanding real-time connectivity, reliability across borders, and seamless user experience from the first to the last mile. The transportation ecosystem—buses, rideshares, emergency vehicles, and even long-haul freight—benefits directly when industry leaders merge capabilities.

Delivering Results Through Combined Expertise

Viasat's high-capacity satellite infrastructure integrates with Cubic’s intelligent transportation systems to deliver a scalable, globally consistent service for connected vehicles. On their own, each company offers deep specialization: Viasat in global satellite internet, Cubic in transportation solutions including fare collection, operations, and real-time data services. Combined, these assets accelerate the development and deployment of solutions that adapt to complex, high-mobility demands in cities and remote areas alike.

Technical hurdles dissolve more quickly in partnership. Viasat’s Ka-band satellite technology, which delivers bandwidths exceeding 100 Mbps per vehicle in transit, aligns perfectly with Cubic’s real-time passenger information systems. This enables smooth handovers between satellite and terrestrial networks, zero-lag infotainment, and rapid data transmission for vehicle diagnostics and public service communications.

Partnership Impact in Action

• Cross-border transit: A bi-national commuter rail route between the U.S. and Mexico customizes its passenger communication interface using Cubic's platform while maintaining consistent internet access through Viasat satellites, even in rural zones with zero terrestrial coverage.
• Emergency response optimization: First-responder fleets gain uninterrupted connectivity en route to disaster sites. Real-time mapping, video relay, and vehicle telemetry remain functional in off-grid locations thanks to the integrated Cubic-Viasat system.
• Tourism mobility in remote regions: Guided tour buses in locations like Patagonia or the Australian outback now offer on-board connectivity. Passengers upload high-resolution media, access translation services, and communicate with support teams hundreds of kilometers from the nearest cell tower.

Rather than building from the ground up, industry leaders who lean into collaboration unlock faster deployment cycles, greater reliability, and lower TCO for connected mobility solutions. These are not partnerships in name only; they are engineered alliances that deliver tangible innovations across public and private transit environments.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Automotive Connectivity

Forecasting Developments in Global Satellite Internet for Vehicles

Next-generation satellite constellations—particularly Low Earth Orbit (LEO) networks—are poised to redefine what “connected on the go” really means. Operators like Viasat, following its acquisition of Inmarsat, are expanding hybrid geostationary and LEO capabilities. These systems deliver lower latency and higher bandwidth, which translates directly into faster, more stable in-vehicle internet across every continent.

By 2030, according to the Global Mobile Suppliers Association, satellite networks are projected to service over 30 million connected vehicles. These connections won’t simply support streaming or navigation—they’ll carry mission-critical data transfers that support advanced driving systems, over-the-air software updates, and real-time diagnostics. As bandwidth increases, so does the potential for immersive infotainment and cloud-driven performance optimization.

Integration with Autonomous Vehicle Systems and Smart Roadways

Autonomous mobility systems require consistent high-bandwidth and low-latency communication to operate safely and efficiently—especially in areas where ground-based cellular infrastructure is lacking or overloaded. Cubic and Viasat’s partnership establishes the foundational connectivity layer needed to overcome these blind spots.

As smart roads become embedded with IoT sensors and vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) networks, satellites will serve as the always-on backbone that unifies disparate data streams. For instance, a vehicle can receive predictive traffic insights via satellite when out of range of roadside units, then shift to 5G or Dedicated Short Range Communications (DSRC) in urban cores without interruption.

This fusion of terrestrial and space-based networks supports real-time decision-making at scale. Fleet operators gain command of complex logistics through end-to-end network visibility, and autonomous systems navigate seamlessly across jurisdictions and terrains.

Evolution of Transportation Infrastructure to Support High-Bandwidth Needs

High-capacity satellite connectivity demands complementary advances in transportation infrastructure. Government agencies, OEMs, and mobility tech companies are responding with embedded antenna systems, edge computing nodes, and software-defined vehicles capable of adapting to multiple networks. Cubic’s smart mobility technology aligns with this trajectory by embedding intelligence directly at the transportation layer.

• Roadside sensor networks are evolving to offload non-critical data via low-latency satellites.
• Next-gen charging stations for EVs are becoming digital hubs, synchronizing updates and diagnostics using satellite internet.
• Urban planners are incorporating satellite redundancy into smart grid and V2X planning frameworks to ensure reliability during outages or natural disasters.

Satellite-backed connectivity no longer plays a support role; it becomes a core utility integrated into the fabric of future mobility systems. Vehicles, roads, and networks operate as a synchronized ecosystem—scalable, cross-border, and always connected.

Driving the Next Era of Mobility with Viasat and Cubic

Cubic and Viasat are actively redefining the automotive connectivity landscape. By merging Cubic’s robust transport communication systems with Viasat’s advanced satellite infrastructure, they’ve enabled global, uninterrupted in-vehicle internet across urban centers, rural routes, and remote geographies alike.

This collaboration directly elevates the driver experience—turning vehicles into nodes in a seamless, intelligent network that stays online regardless of geography. Real-time navigation updates, HD streaming for passengers, over-the-air vehicle diagnostics, and cloud-based infotainment systems now travel with the vehicle, unrestricted by cellular dead zones or terrestrial network limitations.

The influence of satellite-enabled connectivity in transportation is expanding. According to Euroconsult’s 2023 report on mobile satellite services, the mobile satellite connectivity market is projected to grow from $5.5B in 2022 to over $9.3B by 2032, driven largely by demand from mobility sectors including automotive, maritime, and aviation. Cubic and Viasat are positioned at the center of this expansion, delivering the infrastructure and technological framework to support it.

Consider the implications. As the automotive industry shifts toward autonomy, electric drivetrains, and AI-powered systems, the requirement for stable, high-throughput data connectivity is no longer optional—it’s foundational. Satellite-enabled architectures allow vehicles to remain ‘on-net,’ fully integrated into global data economies even while crossing borders, mountain ranges, or deserts.

Think about where this is heading. Entire fleets connected by resilient networks. Emergency responders reaching scenes with real-time data. Autonomous systems engaging with digital twins of cityscapes in milliseconds. That vision turns into practical deployment when companies like Cubic and Viasat align capabilities.

Want to see how this plays out in real-world environments? Explore case studies and download white papers on satellite-powered mobility solutions.