SoftBank Corp. and Cubic3 have entered a strategic partnership to advance the seamless integration of satellite-based non-terrestrial networks (NTN) with terrestrial networks (TN) to create a ‘Ubiquitous Network’ for Software-Defined Vehicles (SDVs) and other high-value mobile assets.
The new partnership builds on their strategic global partnership formed in 2024. Through the collaboration with the major satellite communications providers, both companies aim to advance the commercial deployment of a ‘Ubiquitous Network’ for connected vehicles within the next few years.
Reliable, seamless connectivity is crucial for automotive, agricultural and transportation original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) for their vehicles to remain connected to the internet, even in areas that ground-based cellular networks can’t reach. This ensures critical features like predictive maintenance, safety features, telematics and navigation function correctly. This partnership will unite earth and sky to realize the promise of a ‘Ubiquitous Network’ for connected vehicles globally.
By combining SoftBank’s technical expertise in NTN with Cubic3’s cloud-based platform, SoftBank and Cubic3 have jointly developed ‘Ubiquitous Network’ strategy for SDVs and other high-value mobile assets. Because communication requirements vary depending on the use case, both companies believe it is essential to combine multiple networks with different characteristics to deliver the right solution for OEMs. Therefore, SoftBank and Cubic3 will collaborate with several leading satellite communications providers.
Based on this strategy, Cubic3 is actively involved in the following initiatives with satellite communications providers.
SoftBank and Cubic3, in collaboration with Intelsat, Skylo and Viasat, have also published an eBook entitled “Ubiquitous Connectivity: For a Smarter Automotive Future” that dives deeper into the opportunities ubiquitous connectivity will provide to OEMs across automotive, agriculture, transportation and other sectors. Download the eBook at this direct link…
Nick Power, Chief Technology Officer, Cubic3, said, “Connectivity is the lifeblood of the millions of vehicles that will be connected over the next decade. While terrestrial networks continue to enable cutting-edge in-vehicle experiences and features, swathes of the globe still don’t have coverage. Our solution will bring the terrestrial and non-terrestrial worlds together to deliver a truly ‘Ubiquitous Network’ across all corners of the globe.”
Takenori Kobayashi, SoftBank Corp. Vice President, Head of Product Technology Division, said, “SoftBank is committed to realising a ‘Ubiquitous Network’ where everyone and everything is seamlessly connected anytime, anywhere, and Cubic3 is a highly important strategic partner in achieving that goal. Together, we are working to deliver seamless communication services that ensure continuous connectivity by integrating multiple networks into a single solution through Cubic3’s cloud-based platform.”