Viasat makes the case for in-car satellite connectivity Connected cars are becoming the norm, which is shining a light on roadside connectivity, or the lack thereof. A new survey by satellite operator Viasat – in partnership with the 5G Automotive Association (5GAA) – has revealed that 76% of drivers experience mobile signal loss every week, with a proportion of frequent drivers spending more than four hours a week without signal. Of particular interest to Viasat is that 75% of respondents said they were prepared to pay for in-car satellite connectivity, with 43% identifying emergency calling as the most desirable service, followed by hazard and traffic alerts (17%). Viasat and the 5GAA quizzed more than 1,600 drivers in 10 countries – the UK, US, Indonesia, France, India, Canada, Japan, Germany, Brazil, and France – about their opinions regarding in-car satellite connectivity, and their willingness or otherwise to fork out for it. Given the discrepancies between different countries when it comes to road and driving conditions and network coverage, there are understandably regional differences in drivers' attitudes. For example, 33% of respondents from France find themselves without coverage for about an hour a week, but that rises to 66% in Indonesia, with similar challenges flagged up by respondents in India and Brazil. As such, the willingness to pay for in-car NTN connectivity is much greater in these markets. The old adage of there being no one-size-fits-all approach rings as true as ever. "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," said Andy Kessler, VP, enterprise at Viasat "We're determined to work with the automotive