HARMAN and Viasat Collaborate to Enable In-Cabin Voice Calls Over Satellite Communications

Key Terms

satcom technical

Satcom, short for satellite communications, uses orbiting satellites as relay stations to send and receive voice, data and video between distant or hard-to-reach locations, effectively acting like cell towers in space. It matters to investors because satcom services support broadband, broadcasting, defense links and connected devices, often producing steady customer revenue but requiring large upfront costs, regulatory approvals and sensitivity to launch technology and spectrum access — all factors that influence company value.

telematics control unit (tcu) technical

A telematics control unit (TCU) is the vehicle’s connectivity hub — a small computer that links a car to cellular networks and sensors to provide GPS, diagnostics, emergency calls, and wireless software updates. Think of it as the car’s smartphone and router combined: it gathers data, enables remote services, and lets automakers add features without a dealership visit. Investors care because TCUs drive recurring service revenue, data monetization, regulatory compliance, and cybersecurity and supply‑chain risks that can affect a maker’s costs and growth.

mobile satellite services (mss) technical

Mobile satellite services (MSS) are communications delivered by satellites to devices that move around—such as phones, ships, planes, and remote sensors—providing voice, messaging and data where terrestrial cell towers can’t reach. Investors care because MSS represents a distinct revenue stream and growth opportunity tied to global connectivity, spectrum rights, equipment costs and regulatory approval, much like a backup highway system that serves areas conventional roads cannot, affecting long‑term cash flow and competition.

non-terrestrial network (nb-ntn) technical

A non-terrestrial network (nb-ntn) is a communications system that uses satellites or high-altitude aircraft to carry the same lightweight cellular signals used by narrowband IoT devices, extending coverage beyond traditional cell towers. For investors, it matters because it opens new markets and revenue streams by connecting devices in remote areas or at sea—much like adding bridges to reach isolated islands—and can change the economics and competitive landscape for telecom and IoT service providers.

satellite network operator (sno) technical

A satellite network operator (SNO) owns and runs satellites and the ground systems that send and receive data through them, providing communications, broadcasting, or data services across wide areas. Investors care because an SNO’s value depends on service reliability, long-term customer contracts, access to spectrum and orbital positions, and high upfront costs for building and launching hardware—similar to a taxi company that must buy vehicles and secure routes before earning steady fares.

3gpp technical

3GPP is a global standards group that creates the technical rules enabling mobile networks and devices to work together — think of it as the rulebook for how phones, antennas and networks speak the same language. Investors care because these standards shape which technologies gain wide adoption, influence network rollouts, and affect patent licensing and equipment markets, all of which can change revenue and costs across telecom companies.

snapdragonae modem-rf gen 2 technical

A second-generation “modem-RF” platform branded Snapdragon AE combines the cellular modem (which handles mobile data signals) and the radio-frequency hardware (which sends and receives those signals) into a single integrated system for devices such as cars or connected gadgets. For investors, it matters because this kind of combined chip can reduce device cost, power use and complexity while enabling faster, more reliable wireless service—factors that influence product adoption, supplier margins and sales growth.

• New SatCom voice-calling capability enhances HARMAN Ready Connect for reliable, anywhere, anytime connectivity
• Collaboration with Viasat brings trusted and resilient satellite network and expertise to support seamless connectivity, complementing cellular networks
• Ready Connect and HARMAN’s market-ready products showcased at MWC Barcelona 2026, Fira Gran Via, Hall 2 – Stand #2D51

BARCELONA, Spain--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- MWC Barcelona 2026 – HARMAN, the automotive technology leader and subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., announces a new collaboration with Viasat Inc. (NASDAQ: VSAT), a global leader in satellite communications, to introduce in-cabin voice calling over satellite connectivity. At MWC Barcelona 2026 (Hall 2, Stand #2D51), HARMAN is demonstrating satellite-enabled voice calling capabilities on its Ready Connect Telematics Control Unit (TCU), highlighting how the solution can support anytime, anywhere communication—even in areas with intermittent to no cellular coverage.

By combining HARMAN’s award‑winning Ready Connect TCU product and Viasat’s proven 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.

Reliable voice calling, anywhere

Many journeys and commutes span regions with limited cellular network coverage, preventing access to essential services such as emergency assistance or vehicle recovery. 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.

Trusted expertise for OEMs

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.

“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,” said Dhanaji Khade, Vice President, 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.”

Beyond voice calling: a roadmap to broadband SatCom

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.

Built to scale and shipping now

Ready Connect builds on HARMAN’s legacy of innovation and reflects its commitment to road-ready products that deliver intelligent and meaningful in-vehicle experiences. Leveraging Qualcomm’s Snapdragon® Modem‑RF Gen 2 system, Ready Connect provides unparalleled connectivity performance, while maximising upgradability, scalability and usability to meet the evolving requirements of today’s automotive market.

HARMAN’s suite of Ready products are trusted by OEMs globally and are available now for integration, helping automakers reduce complexity, accelerate hardware and software cycles, lower lifecycle costs and deliver rapid, consumer‑focused innovation across evolving vehicle platforms.

Experience Ready Connect at MWC Barcelona 2026

Experience Ready Connect and HARMAN’s newest products firsthand at MWC Barcelona 2026 (Fira Gran Via, Hall 2 – Stand #2D51).

For more information on HARMAN Ready Connect, visit: https://car.harman.com/experiences/ready-connect

For details on HARMAN’s entire product line-up, visit: https://car.harman.com/

ABOUT HARMAN

HARMAN is a global leader in Lifestyle Audio and Automotive technology. We create intelligent experiences that enrich people’s lives on the road, in their homes, on the stage, and everywhere in between. Our iconic audio brands — including JBL®, Harman Kardon®, AKG®, Bowers & Wilkins®, Denon®, and Marantz® — bring premium sound to consumers and audio/visual professionals worldwide. More than 50 million vehicles globally rely on HARMAN’s technologies to deliver safer, smarter, and more intuitive in-cabin experiences. A wholly owned subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., HARMAN has approximately 26,000 employees around the world.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260301998566/en/

For more information, contact:

Jessica Sader

Communications Manager, Automotive

jessica.sader@harman.com

Source: HARMAN