Viasat Inc. and automotive technology leader HARMAN announced a partnership to deliver in‑cab vehicle voice calls via satellite connectivity at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona on March 02 2026. The collaboration combines HARMAN’s Ready Connect telematics control unit, which supports 4G, 5G and narrowband non‑terrestrial network connectivity, with Viasat’s mobile satellite services constellation.
The joint solution enables vehicles to make voice calls in areas lacking cellular coverage, providing a reliable, safety‑critical communication channel for drivers and passengers. Ready Connect will use Viasat’s licensed global spectrum rights to deliver high‑quality voice, while also supporting messaging, emergency SOS features and low‑data‑rate telematics use cases. Seamless handover between satellite and terrestrial networks ensures continuous service as a vehicle moves in and out of coverage zones.
"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," said Sandeep Moorthy, Senior Vice President of Advanced Non‑Terrestrial Services at Viasat.
"HARMAN Ready Connect transforms the limits of what the industry previously thought was possible for vehicle connectivity and empowers automakers to differentiate their vehicle platforms quickly and cost‑effectively," added Dhanaji Khade, Vice President of Ready Connect Business Lead at HARMAN. He further noted, "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."
The partnership expands Viasat’s presence in the automotive market, leveraging its recent Inmarsat acquisition and global spectrum rights to offer a new, low‑latency voice service that can be integrated into existing vehicle telematics platforms. For HARMAN, the collaboration enhances its Ready Connect offering by adding satellite connectivity, giving automakers a resilient backup for cellular networks and a new avenue for safety‑critical voice and emergency services.
The collaboration positions both companies to capture a share of the growing connected‑vehicle market, where reliable connectivity is increasingly critical for safety and infotainment. By providing a satellite‑backed voice channel in remote areas, Viasat and HARMAN create a potential revenue stream from OEMs and fleet operators while strengthening their competitive positioning in the automotive connectivity space.
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