A new Very Low Earth Orbit satellite network aims to provide continuous connectivity for automotive applications including over-the-air updates, infotainment and future V2X services.
European satellite venture Univity is positioning its planned constellation as a solution to the automotive industry’s growing connectivity challenges, offering what it describes as the first standardised 5G satellite infrastructure designed specifically for interoperability with existing mobile networks.
The company is targeting the expanding connected vehicle market, where applications ranging from high-definition infotainment to over-the-air (OTA) software updates increasingly demand reliable, continuous data connections that terrestrial networks cannot always provide.
Addressing coverage gaps
Connected vehicle services have grown rapidly in recent years, encompassing in-car telephony, navigation, streaming entertainment and remote diagnostics. However, coverage gaps in rural areas, mountainous terrain and cross-border corridors present ongoing challenges for automakers seeking to guarantee consistent service quality.
“Connected vehicles, whether buses, trucks, cars, or agricultural machinery, cannot depend on a single terrestrial network or a proprietary satellite system,” says Charles Delfieux, chief executive and founder of Univity. “Together with our telecom operator partners, Univity provides the automotive industry with an interoperable, neutral, European-designed 5G space infrastructure.”
The constellation would operate in Very Low Earth Orbit at altitudes below 375km, which the company says enables lower latency than traditional satellite systems while maintaining compatibility with operators’ existing 5G spectrum in the 2GHz band.
Technical approach
Univity’s architecture is designed to function as an extension of terrestrial mobile networks rather than a standalone system. The approach aims to allow vehicle manufacturers to integrate satellite connectivity without proprietary hardware or closed architectures that limit compatibility between different systems.
The company says this model supports various use cases across the automotive sector, from high-bandwidth streaming applications to direct-to-device communications. Future capabilities would include vehicle-to-everything (V2X) connectivity for advanced driver assistance and autonomous vehicle applications.
“Our constellation ensures continuous service delivery, from OTA updates to video applications, all the way to future uses,” adds Delfieux. “Space is finally becoming a natural extension of the mobile network.”
Business model
Rather than competing directly with mobile network operators, Univity positions telecom companies as central to its commercial strategy. The system is intended to complement existing fibre and cellular infrastructure, providing coverage where terrestrial networks are unavailable or unreliable.
The company suggests its approach could enable new business models including direct vehicle communication, lower-cost connectivity options for entry-level vehicles, and enhanced services for fleet operators and emergency services.
