Collaboration Would Enable Satellite In-Vehicle Voice Calls
HARMAN and Viasat Unveil New SatCom Voice-Calling Capability
A new collaboration plans to introduce in-vehicle voice calling over satellite connectivity. Samsung Electronics subsidiary Harman is demonstrating satellite-enabled voice calling capabilities on its Ready Connect Telematics Control Unit (TCU) in conjunction with Viasat.
“Through our collaboration with Viasat, HARMAN Ready Connect demonstrates how its satellite-enabled architecture, which supports the 3GPP NB-NTN standard, can extend communication beyond traditional terrestrial networks.”
Dhanaji Khade, Harman
The demonstration is being conducted at MWC Barcelona 2026. By combining Harman’s Ready Connect TCU product and Viasat’s Mobile Satellite Services (MSS) satellite constellation, the collaboration unlocks a new level of reliable, resilient, ubiquitous connectivity. The SatCom-based voice calling feature facilitates essential communication where low data rate, safety-relevant connectivity is required. Augmenting rather than replacing terrestrial (cellular) connectivity, satellite networks can provide dependable communication in areas with intermittent cellular coverage to enhance safety, support emergency response and maintain continuous connectivity on the road, especially areas beyond the reach of terrestrial networks.
For drivers and passengers, lack of cellular coverage can be critical to safety. Aiming to connect the unconnected, Harman and Viasat enable voice communication, supporting vehicle users in reaching critical services when it matters most.
The new voice-calling capability leverages Harman’s Ready Connect TCU, which supports 4G, 5G and Narrowband Non-Terrestrial Network (NB-NTN) satellite connectivity using the same base solution. Viasat, acting as the Satellite Network Operator (SNO), provides access to its highly reliable satellite network and licensed global spectrum rights, ensuring a high-quality, reliable service backed by decades of operational experience.
Satellite voice calling ensures that drivers and passengers can reliably contact and speak with safety critical services or roadside assistance in areas with limited or no cellular connectivity to provide crucial details in the event of an incident, injury or stranded vehicle. The capability also supports personal calls to update family or friends during unexpected or emergency situations.
This collaboration centres on enabling baseline voice services over satellite, underpinned by Viasat’s satellite network and Harman’s deep heritage in delivering robust, road-ready automotive connectivity. Together, the companies aim to strengthen automotive OEM confidence in emerging SatCom capabilities as a long-term complement to terrestrial networks.
“Through our collaboration with Viasat, Harman Ready Connect demonstrates how its satellite-enabled architecture, which supports the 3GPP NB-NTN standard, can extend communication beyond traditional terrestrial networks. This includes enabling voice services that facilitate immediate safety and emergency assist applications,” said Dhanaji Khade, VP, Ready Connect Business Lead at Harman. “Working alongside innovators such as Viasat and building on our legacy of in-cabin innovation, decades of automotive expertise and significant investment in engineering and state-of-the-art technologies, Harman is uniquely positioned to deliver transformative in-vehicle products and solutions that elevate safety, productivity and entertainment, even in challenging environments.”
“Satellite connectivity has arrived for the automotive industry,” Sandeep Moorthy, Senior Vice President, Advanced Non-Terrestrial Services at Viasat. “Through our collaboration with Harman, vehicles can now connect directly to our satellite network. That means major benefits for drivers all around the world; not only to stay safe when they’re outside of cell coverage, but to access the range of applications that space technology can bring.”
Alongside voice calling, the collaboration supports messaging, emergency SOS features and low-data-rate telematics use cases through NB‑NTN SatCom and Ready Connect. This includes benefits like remote vehicle operation, stolen vehicle tracking and remote vehicle diagnostics. These capabilities reinforce Harman’s mission to deliver resilient, vehicle‑integrated connectivity experiences that meet evolving OEM and driver expectations.
Looking ahead, the Harman and Viasat partnership includes a roadmap to broadband SatCom services enabled by Viasat. This advancement has the potential to unlock additional in‑cabin media services, streaming and high‑bandwidth connectivity—strengthening the future of the software‑defined, always‑connected vehicle.