Japanese telecommunications giant SoftBank Corp and Irish-owned Cubic3 have announced a strategic partnership.
Through collaboration with 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," the two companies said in a statement.
"This ensures critical features like predictive maintenance, safety features, telematics and navigation function correctly.
"This partnership will unite earth and sky to realise the promise of a ‘Ubiquitous Network’ for connected vehicles globally."
More cars are becoming connected which will only increase exponentially with the transition to electric vehicles.
EVs are essentially computers on wheels - which has given rise to the industry term "software-defined vehicle" - that automakers can upgrade wirelessly.
Consulting firm McKinsey & Co has previously estimated that 95% of new vehicles sold globally will be connected by 2030.
The industry is also exploring new ways to generate revenue from in-vehicle services such as advanced map or fuel-efficiency features.
Cubic's software gives automakers access to mobile networks across 190 countries.
That software provides access for infotainment features and enables automakers to see which features are used so they can tailor future offerings.
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."
While 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."
