Call: 1-877-697-2926

Three Juicy NB-NTN Use Cases That Viasat Is Pursuing

Viasat, a global force in satellite communications, continues to reshape the connectivity landscape by leveraging Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTNs) and narrowband IoT. With its 2023 acquisition of Inmarsat, the company gained a significant footprint in L-band narrowband satellite services, solidifying its capacity to deliver beyond-line-of-sight connectivity for the Internet of Things (IoT). This expansion comes at a pivotal time when demand for resilient, ubiquitous coverage is rising sharply—fueled by the growth of connected devices, autonomous systems, and the digitalization of remote industries.

Shifts in the global telecom market are placing NTN-enabled services at the core of connectivity innovation, as operators seek solutions that bridge terrestrial gaps. The introduction of 3GPP Release 17 and the commitment to 5G Advanced have validated a harmonized satellite-terrestrial network future. Viasat’s alignment with this trend isn’t coincidental. The company envisions NB-NTN as a cornerstone of its 5G capability roadmap, aiming to create global, low-power, seamless IoT networks that extend well beyond current coverage limitations.

So which use cases are Viasat betting on? Let’s examine three targeted, high-impact applications where NB-NTN connectivity moves from concept to rollout.

Inside NB-NTN: The Technology Driving Viasat’s Next-Gen Connectivity

Defining Narrowband Networking and Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN)

Narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT) uses reduced bandwidth—typically 180 kHz or less—allowing devices to communicate small amounts of data with high reliability and low power consumption. When extended beyond ground-based infrastructure through Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN), NB-IoT becomes NB-NTN, enabling low-rate data communication via satellites, high-altitude platforms (HAPs), and even unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

NTNs operate through satellite constellations in Low Earth Orbit (LEO), Medium Earth Orbit (MEO), and Geostationary Orbit (GEO), bridging terrestrial network gaps. By integrating narrowband protocols with space-based infrastructure, NB-NTN expands coverage far beyond the reach of traditional cellular towers, especially in remote geographies.

NB-NTN’s Role in IoT and M2M Communication

NB-NTN directly addresses the demands of Internet of Things (IoT) and Machine-to-Machine (M2M) applications that require lightweight, persistent connections for millions of devices. By leveraging LTE and 5G standards like 3GPP Releases 17 and 18, Viasat enables global harmonization across both terrestrial and space-based solutions.

By aligning with 3GPP protocols, NB-NTN also supports seamless device interoperability, making it attractive for wide-scale deployment in logistics, energy, transportation, and smart agriculture.

Expanded Network Capacity and Operational Efficiency

NB-NTN introduces a new layer of efficiency by offloading low-data traffic to satellite networks, preserving terrestrial bandwidth for high-throughput applications. Viasat’s architecture dedicates spectrum efficiently through techniques like beamforming and resource scheduling tailored for narrowband payloads.

Through NB-NTN, satellite operators manage higher device density with minimal spectral overhead. For reference, a single NB-IoT carrier in satellite mode can support thousands of devices per beam, cutting deployment costs and enhancing scalability. Autonomous fault reporting, staggered data burst transmissions, and enhanced power control collectively improve overall system efficiency.

These technical advantages translate to broader, continuous coverage with predictable latency, supporting Viasat’s strategies for industrial IoT augmentation and geographically inclusive connectivity.

Expanding Horizons: How Viasat Uses NB-NTN to Transform Agriculture and Rural Connectivity

Tackling the Rural Connectivity Gap

Rural and remote regions remain underserved by traditional terrestrial networks. Sparse population density, rugged terrain, and low commercial incentives limit infrastructure expansion. As a result, these areas suffer from unreliable internet access, which restricts access to modern services, digital education, government support tools, and sustainable agricultural practices.

Reliable connectivity creates a multiplier effect in rural economies. It enables smart farming, optimizes resource use, and boosts productivity. Viasat has targeted this gap strategically, deploying Narrowband Non-Terrestrial Networks (NB-NTN) to connect areas that fiber and cellular networks cannot economically reach.

Connecting Smart Farms Through Space

Viasat uses NB-NTN to support data-intensive agricultural use cases by integrating satellites directly into IoT sensor networks. Instead of relying on unreliable ground networks, smart devices installed across farmland—moisture sensors, asset trackers, soil monitors—transmit data across low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite links. This enables real-time updates without interruption, even in the most rugged topographies or isolated geographies.

The company’s system architecture prioritizes low power consumption and long battery life, ideal for solar-powered sensors and off-grid systems. Farms across disconnected regions no longer operate in data isolation. They gain timely access to climate models, irrigation alerts, disease forecasts, and market pricing—all through satellite-enabled NB-IoT links embedded within Viasat’s NB-NTN framework.

On the Ground: Viasat's Impact in Rural India

Take the state of Maharashtra as a live example. In 2023, Viasat partnered with a regional agricultural cooperative to deploy NB-NTN-supported IoT devices across banana plantations spanning 7,000 hectares. These devices captured real-time humidity and temperature data critical for crop health. Prior to the deployment, manual inspections took place weekly and often resulted in delayed pest detection.

Post-deployment, pest outbreaks dropped by 38% in the pilot zones. The data triggered automated pesticide application only when thresholds were exceeded, which both reduced chemical use and saved labor. Yields improved by 22% within a single growing season, while water consumption declined by 31% due to sensor-based irrigation scheduling.

This case demonstrates how Viasat isn't just providing capacity; it’s enabling transformation on the ground through intelligent, persistent, and affordable connectivity—bringing high-tech precision to plots of land once disconnected from the digital economy.

Seamless Seas: How Viasat Uses NB-NTN to Streamline Maritime Operations

The Demand for Reliable Maritime Connectivity

Maritime vessels operate far from terrestrial cellular coverage. Cargo ships, cruise liners, offshore rigs, and research vessels require uninterrupted, real-time communications. Fleet managers insist on enhanced vessel tracking, predictive maintenance through data telemetry, and secure crew and passenger connectivity—especially across remote sea lanes. Without a resilient communications backbone, efficiency and safety both suffer.

Viasat’s Solution: Integrating NB-NTN for Global Vessel Coverage

Viasat employs Narrowband Non-Terrestrial Networks (NB-NTN) to extend narrowband IoT and M2M connectivity across open waters. By leveraging its Global Xpress satellite network and evolving NB-IoT over NTN capabilities, Viasat enables persistent data exchange between vessels and shore-based command. Whether it's engine diagnostics, weather data synchronization, or cargo condition reporting, NB-NTN delivers the small data packets with high reliability and low latency.

This architecture leverages 3GPP Release 17 standards, integrating space-based NB-IoT capabilities into the maritime domain. The result is long-range, secure, energy-efficient connectivity without relying on expensive high-throughput satellite payloads for simple sensor and telemetry applications.

Synergizing NB-NTN with Terrestrial and Near-Shore Cellular Networks

Viasat’s strategy does not silo NB-NTN—it complements it. As vessels move in and out of terrestrial cell coverage near coastlines, NB-IoT data transmission can shift seamlessly between satellite and cellular modes. This hybrid network model reduces data backhaul costs near shore while maintaining coverage integrity at sea.

This interoperability strategy aligns with maritime digitalization trends. According to Kalmar and Rainmaking's 2023 Port Technology report, 81% of maritime logistics leaders plan to expand AI and IoT integration by 2030. NB-NTN enables this transition by delivering ubiquitous, low-cost connectivity across global routes—without additional infrastructure onboard.

Elevating In-Flight Efficiency: Viasat’s Role in Advancing Aero Mobility Through NB-NTN

Next-Generation Connectivity for the Skies

Commercial aviation continues to evolve into a data-intensive ecosystem where aircraft function as airborne data centers. Airlines rely on robust, uninterrupted connectivity not only to satisfy passenger expectations but also to support operational efficiency, safety systems, predictive maintenance, and crew communication. Narrowband Non-Terrestrial Networks (NB-NTNs) directly address these requirements by delivering low-bandwidth yet persistent links over vast coverage areas—ideal for high-altitude, high-speed environments.

Viasat Deploys NB-NTN to Support Real-Time Aeronautical Data Exchange

Viasat leverages NB-NTN to enable real-time data synchronization between aircraft and ground systems, transforming how operators manage inflight assets. Using geo-stationary and low Earth orbit satellite links, NB-NTN modems relay telemetry, surveillance, and airline operations data continuously. For instance, engines can send performance metrics mid-flight to ground diagnostics teams, allowing maintenance crews to prepare long before wheels touch the tarmac.

This real-time feedback loop reduces downtime post-landing, enhances safety through proactive alerts, and refines fuel optimization strategies mid-route. NB-NTN’s lower power requirements also minimize the burden on onboard systems, making it a viable complement to existing broadband satellite communications.

Data Regulations and Spectrum Coordination in Aviation

Integrating NB-NTN into aviation hinges on more than just technical feasibility. The aviation sector operates within tightly regulated electromagnetic environments. NB-NTN deployments must comply with International Telecommunication Union (ITU) regulations and coordinate licenses under the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). In parallel, they must secure spectrum allocations that do not interfere with existing safety-of-life aviation systems.

Viasat actively engages in global and regional regulatory forums to ensure that NB-NTN solutions align with spectrum allocations in protected aeronautical bands. By working closely with national regulators and industry groups, Viasat ensures that deployments maintain data integrity, comply with routing frameworks, and support the growing demand for real-time air traffic management.

A Convergence of Utility and Innovation

What’s Next?

As global air fleets modernize, the demand for lean, scalable in-flight data links will only intensify. Viasat’s integration of NB-NTN into aero mobility infrastructure doesn’t just improve connectivity—it reshapes how aircraft interact with their digital environments. How will your aviation strategy evolve when every aircraft becomes a node in a global, always-on digital network?

The Synergy of NB-NTN and 5G Technology

Amplifying 5G Reach Through Satellite Integration

NB-NTN extends the geographic and operational limits of 5G by bridging coverage gaps in areas where terrestrial infrastructure remains impractical or cost-prohibitive. In deserts, offshore oil platforms, remote communities, and disaster zones—where cell towers can’t reach—NB-NTN steps in to provide reliable connectivity. This capability transforms 5G from a predominantly urban technology into a truly global platform.

Viasat has positioned its satellite infrastructure to achieve seamless handovers between terrestrial 5G and its narrowband non-terrestrial networks. When a device moves beyond the range of a ground-based 5G cell, NB-NTN assumes the connection without service disruption. This hand-in-glove operation between satellite and terrestrial systems elevates the continuity of user experiences, especially in logistics, agriculture, and emergency response.

Integrating NB-NTN and 5G for Broader and Faster Coverage

Through its strategic investment in direct-to-device and satellite IoT technologies, Viasat is constructing an architecture where NB-NTN serves as a logical extension of 5G. Low-latency satellite links feeding directly into 5G core network slices create new efficiencies: lower operational costs, redundancy in case of ground network outages, and reduced reliance on high-density tower grids.

Viasat’s development roadmap includes enabling NB-NTN coverage for ultra-low-power 5G IoT devices. By leveraging narrowband signals, these devices—often battery-powered—can remain in contact with the network for years without recharging. Real-time tractor telemetry in remote crop fields or live container tracking mid-Pacific becomes technically and financially practical under this configuration.

Crossroads: Western Technology Meets Chinese Hardware

Navigating the technological juxtaposition of Western satellite systems and Chinese 5G infrastructure presents both opportunities and constraints. On one hand, the mass production capabilities and cost advantages of Chinese components—especially in base stations and antennas—could accelerate the fusion of NB-NTN and 5G. On the other, aligning standards, securing intellectual property rights, and ensuring system interoperability remains a challenge in a geopolitically sensitive environment.

This alignment of NB-NTN and 5G isn’t just theoretical—it’s shaping procurement strategy, device certification cycles, and market-ready product lines in Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Africa. Technical convergence is turning into commercial advantage, one data packet at a time.

Shaping the Future: Viasat’s Collaborations Fuel NB-NTN Momentum

Driving Innovation with Strategic Technology Partnerships

Viasat has not approached Narrowband Non-Terrestrial Networks (NB-NTN) in isolation. Instead, the company actively engineers its NB-NTN initiatives through a network of partnerships with cutting-edge technology providers. These collaborations streamline integration efforts, speed up deployment processes, and enhance service robustness across varied use cases.

One prominent example is Viasat’s work with 3GPP-aligned vendors to standardize radio access interfaces, ensuring seamless cross-network interoperability. This level of standardization opens the door for manufacturers of NB-IoT devices to efficiently switch between terrestrial and satellite links without any hardware changes. Collaborating with chipset manufacturers like MediaTek and terminal vendors specializing in NTN-supporting modules has elevated this goal from theory to reality.

Forging Strategic Alliances to Expand Global Reach

Viasat’s partnerships also aim at expanding capability and market access, particularly in regions where terrestrial networks fall short. The company has joined forces with mobile network operators (MNOs), regional satellite service providers, and specialized NB-IoT platforms to tailor connectivity solutions based on local infrastructure and regulatory landscapes.

Accelerating Deployment Through Open Innovation Platforms

Rather than relying solely on in-house development, Viasat integrates external innovation into its NB-NTN roadmap. As a contributing member of the Telecom Infra Project (TIP) and the 5G Open Innovation Lab, the company engages with startups, researchers, and engineering communities focused on solving real-world coverage and reliability issues via NTNs.

This open collaboration model brings diverse experimentation and rapid prototyping into Viasat’s development cycles. Projects previously considered high-risk due to operational complexity now follow accelerated timelines, backed by shared expertise and distributed infrastructure resources.

What Does This Mean for the NB-NTN Landscape?

These partnerships do more than just provide technical support—they actively shape the architecture and capability of the NB-NTN ecosystem. With every cooperative venture, Viasat extends not only its own network potential but the entire industry’s transition toward seamless terrestrial-satellite convergence.

Redefining Possibilities: Viasat's Innovative Edge in NB-NTN

Driving Next-Gen NB-NTN Innovation with Purpose

Viasat doesn't follow trends—it sets them. In the realm of Narrowband Non-Terrestrial Networks (NB-NTN), the company has cemented a leading role by actively shaping how satellite and cellular networks converge to extend reliable connectivity into underserved territories. The innovation pipeline is not reactive; it's forward-leaning and built to scale rapidly.

Targeted Efficiency Gains and Seamless Service Integration

By refining the satellite-cellular handshake, Viasat has unlocked multipoint communication capabilities that reduce latency and improve link stability in remote areas. Adaptive beamforming, dynamic spectrum management, and power-efficient protocol enhancements allow NB-NTN terminals to maintain data sessions with minimal power drain. These improvements translate directly to better battery life in remote IoT devices and expanded service coverage in geographies that lack terrestrial towers.

Reinventing Vehicle Communications with NB-NTN

NB-NTN isn’t just serving sensors in farmlands or off-grid maritime routes. Viasat sees mobility as its next growth edge. In connected car architectures, especially in cross-border logistics corridors, maintaining telemetry streams without interruption matters. Existing terrestrial networks introduce hand-off errors; NB-NTN satellites wipe this limitation out.

Viasat is integrating narrowband satellite links as a redundancy layer in vehicle data systems. This layer ensures continuous transmission of diagnostics, firmware updates, security pings, and location services—even when vehicles journey through deserts, mountains, or across oceans on freighters. Sensor fusion algorithms, reliant on persistent uplinks, gain new reliability under this scheme.

Looking beyond vehicles, Viasat is testing NB-NTN integration into drone communication stack architectures. Low-profile, high-SNR terminal designs enable BVLOS command-and-control streams without relying on point-to-point RF relays, unlocking wide-scale geospatial data acquisition for agriculture and emergency response bodies alike.

A Design-to-Performance Philosophy

R&D at Viasat doesn’t follow a one-size-fits-all approach. The company engineers NB-NTN capacity to match end-use profiles—from ultra-low bitrate soil moisture sensors that wake twice daily, to moving vessels transmitting real-time weather and performance data mid-voyage.

Every subsystem—from the satellite payload to the terrestrial edge node—works in harmony to deliver consistent link margins, handle Doppler shifts in motion-heavy environments, and auto-adapt data rates to contextual bandwidth availability. This precise engineering model positions Viasat at the helm of narrowband innovation, bridging more than just distance—it’s bridging reliability into the fabric of tomorrow’s digital infrastructure.

The Bigger Picture: Viasat's NB-NTN Impact on Global Connectivity

Targeting the Digital Divide at Scale

Billions of people still live without reliable internet access. Vast rural expanses, low-income regions, remote maritime zones, and underserved developing economies remain disconnected. Viasat’s deployment of Narrowband Non-Terrestrial Networks (NB-NTN) marks a decisive shift in global connectivity efforts. By leveraging low-data-rate satellite links optimized for IoT and machine-type communication, Viasat brings meaningful connectivity where terrestrial networks either can’t reach economically or physically can’t function.

Through NB-NTN, remote villages gain access to digital supply chains, farmers tap into precision agriculture, and sensors monitor infrastructure miles from civilization. NB-NTN doesn’t try to replace fiber or terrestrial 5G; instead, it fills the void. That strategic integration closes critical gaps in coverage––especially in least developed and landlocked countries. No need to lay thousands of miles of fiber or build cell towers in topographically challenging terrain. A few strategically positioned satellites can connect millions.

Projections Paint a Clear Trajectory

The European Space Agency and the 3GPP envisage NB-NTN as a cornerstone of 6G and beyond. According to ABI Research, by 2030, over 300 million NB-IoT and CAT-M devices will connect via satellite-based NTN technologies. Viasat is positioned to carry a significant share of that volume thanks to partnerships, spectrum assets, and vertically integrated satellite capabilities.

Emerging markets will drive much of this growth. Sub-Saharan Africa, Southeast Asia, and parts of Latin America show consistent demand for ultra-low power, low-cost, low-bandwidth solutions. Viasat uses 3GPP-standardized NB-NTN protocols, ensuring device interoperability and reduced deployment complexity. That means faster time-to-market for governments and enterprises aiming to serve hard-to-reach populations.

Evolving From Coverage Solution to Global Infrastructure Layer

NB-NTN is no longer a stopgap; it’s evolving into foundational infrastructure. As Viasat integrates NB-NTN into its layered services architecture, it becomes part of a seamless global mesh, complementing Ka-band, mobility solutions, and terrestrial partner networks. This multi-orbit architecture grants Viasat the flexibility to scale use cases, activate new verticals, and respond dynamically to geopolitical or environmental events. From supporting UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to enabling early disaster warning systems in vulnerable regions, Viasat’s NB-NTN reach is shaping digital futures at a planetary scale.

What’s Coming Next: Viasat’s Ongoing Push in NB-NTN

Across three distinct fields—agriculture, maritime, and aviation—Viasat has turned Narrowband Non-Terrestrial Networks (NB-NTN) into high-functioning, real-world solutions. In farming regions, it’s connecting the unconnected; at sea, it’s preserving fuel efficiency and uptime; in the air, it’s sustaining critical links for passengers, crew, and operational data. These use cases aren’t isolated experiments. They serve as backbone examples of how Viasat is scaling NB-NTN to meet diverse operational demands.

As spectrum management evolves and government policies align with advanced satellite services, Viasat is actively aligning technology development with regulatory dynamics. Commitments to 3GPP-compliant standards, involvement in 5G NTN testing, and participation in international working groups fuel this multi-tiered compliance strategy. Innovation at this scale doesn’t pause—it expands, iterates, and adapts.

Looking ahead, Viasat is sharpening its focus on commercial-grade satellite services that match the latency, speed, and security expectations of terrestrial networks. Upcoming missions will test broader NB-IoT coverage models and extend low-power NB-NTN access to even more unconventional environments. Whether for remote IoT ecosystems, environmental monitoring, or resilient mobile connectivity, the momentum behind Viasat’s NB-NTN trajectory is accelerating.