Harman and Viasat collaborate to introduce in-cabin voice calls over satellite

Harman, an automotive technology specialist and subsidiary of Samsung Electronics, is collaborating with Viasat, a specialist in satellite communications, to introduce in-cabin voice calling over satellite connectivity

At MWC Barcelona 2026, Harman is set to demonstrate satellite-enabled voice calling capabilities on its Ready Connect Telematics Control Unit (TCU), showcasing how the solution can support anytime, anywhere communication, even in areas with intermittent to no cellular coverage.

Combining Harman’s Ready Connect TCU product with Viasat’s Mobile Satellite Services (MSS) satellite constellation has enabled the collaboration to achieve improved, reliable, resilient, and ubiquitous connectivity. 

The SatCom-based voice calling feature facilitates communication where low data rate, safety-relevant connectivity is required. Augmenting rather than replacing terrestrial connectivity, satellite networks can provide dependable communication in areas with intermittent cellular coverage, improving safety, supporting emergency responses, and maintaining connectivity on the road, especially in areas beyond the reach of terrestrial networks.

Several journeys and commutes span regions with limited cellular network coverage, preventing access to services such as emergency assistance or vehicle recovery. For drivers and passengers, lack of cellular coverage can be essential to safety. Harman and Viasat have collaborated to connect the unconnected, enabling voice communication, helping vehicle users reach critical services when it matters most.

The new voice-calling capability utilises 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 satellite network and licensed global spectrum rights, ensuring a high-quality, reliable service backed by decades of operational experience.

Satellite voice calling enables drivers and passengers to reliably contact and speak with safety-critical services or roadside assistance in areas with limited or no cellular connectivity, providing critical details in the event of an incident, injury, or a stranded vehicle. The capability also supports personal calls to update family or friends during unexpected or emergency situations.

This collaboration aims to enable baseline voice services over satellite, underpinned by Viasat’s satellite network and Harman’s experience in providing robust, road-ready automotive connectivity. Together, the companies are working to strengthen automotive OEM confidence in emerging SatCom capabilities as a long-term complement to terrestrial networks.

Dhanaji Khade, vice president, Ready Connect Business lead at Harman, said, “Harman’s MWC showcase underscores our commitment to advancing non-terrestrial network integration and working with ecosystem partners to bring next-generation connected experiences to market. 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.

“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.”

Sandeep Moorthy, senior vice president, Advanced Non-Terrestrial Services at Viasat, said, “Satellite connectivity has arrived for the automotive industry. 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.”

In addition to voice calling, the collaboration supports messaging, emergency SOS features, and low-data-rate telematics use cases via NB-NTN SatCom and Ready Connect, including benefits such as remote vehicle operation, stolen vehicle tracking and remote vehicle diagnostics. 

The Harman and Viasat partnership also 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, reinforcing the future of the software-defined, always-connected vehicle.