Why Telco Networks Enable Direct-to-Device IoT for Fleets

Transport organisations are facing complexities running large fleets across multiple regions and varying jurisdictions. 

They report a greater move towards direct-to-device (D2D) solutions, with 81% planning adoption, more than any other sector. 

Through sector-wide implementation plans, transport companies aim to enhance tracking and scale operations efficiently. Viasat explores how connectivity is being reshaped in its latest report, The Great Connectivity Convergence: NTN in Industrial IoT.

Why connectivity matters

Viasat, a global communications company, explores how industrial organisations are moving towards a singular connective ecosystem. 

Its report examines how businesses integrate D2D IoT devices to monitor, track and control operations. 

Data flows directly across satellite and cellular networks, removing the need for existing satellite terminals.

Viasat and Vanson Bourne surveyed 600 IoT decision-makers across agriculture, energy, land transport and logistics, mining and utilities. 

The survey highlights growing demand for universal connectivity, driven by logistics volatility.

Satellite networks provide global reach and reliability but come at higher cost. Cellular is affordable and high performing but limited in coverage. 

Businesses often need multiple hardware sources, adding complexity and cost. D2D connectivity integrates terrestrial and satellite networks in a single system, enabling sensors and handsets to communicate directly.

Adoption across regions and industries

D2D adoption intent varies by location and sector. In Europe, 35% plan adoption within six months. Only 17% of respondents in the MENA region share this short-term plan, reflecting lower urgency despite rapid IoT growth.

Across industries, 61% in energy plan D2D adoption in the next 12 months. The report notes this "may speak to a necessary sense of caution in an industry where health and safety at remote sites is a key concern".

Transport leads adoption, with 81% planning D2D deployment within 12 months. The technology connects sector solutions while supporting scalable operations across regions.

Overall, 90% of leaders agree D2D will accelerate IoT rollout and 89% would consider replacing current IoT connectivity with D2D within three years.

Andy Kessler, Vice President, Enterprise at Viasat says: “Organisations are rightly excited by the potential for standards-based D2D and are planning to deploy new technology quickly, and at scale.

“The excitement makes sense because we know new devices can lower the barrier to entry for organisations by reducing the cost, complexity and physical size of IoT terminals. But while companies rightly want to move fast, the change represents a major shift.

“It’s our job to work with our partner ecosystem and customers to help them access the safety, efficiency and sustainability benefits satellite-enabled IoT can bring.”

Implementing D2D in practice

Respondents highlight key benefits of D2D: smaller form factor (61%), support for large-scale deployments (59%) and coverage in areas without cellular networks (55%). 

D2D connects terrestrial and satellite networks, allowing devices to communicate directly and reducing reliance on multiple hardware systems.

Industry-specific applications include crop storage monitoring in agriculture, automated haulage in mining, vehicular tracking and route optimisation in transport, water infrastructure monitoring in utilities and wellhead monitoring in energy. 

In transport, D2D helps fleets improve tracking and efficiency while scaling operations across regions.

Organisations are already seeing advantages. Due to existing IoT rollout, 78% report increased progress across operations. Satellite integration rises, with 55% using it across IoT estates, up from 41% in 2024.

Despite enthusiasm, decision-makers await proof of effectiveness. High initial costs and uncertain ROI make them cautious about training staff before tangible results.

Even so, D2D offers the potential to lower costs, accelerate innovation and scale operations globally. 

It strengthens supply chain resilience in a world where disconnected communication can disrupt logistics. 

By integrating devices across a single system, organisations can achieve universal connectivity, better tracking and scalable operations across regions and jurisdictions.