Viasat, a global contributor in satellite communications, has announced a landmark technology demonstration showcasing the first automotive satellite voice call demonstration fully integrated into a BMW Group vehicle’s platform.

It marks a significant step forward as Viasat brings Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) communications into the connected vehicle ecosystem: enabling drivers and passengers to stay connected in remote or underserved areas where cellular coverage may be limited or unavailable.

Building on an earlier demonstration with eSIM capabilities from Cubic³, a provider of software-defined vehicle (SDV) solutions, Viasat experts in Munich utilised advanced technology including Qualcomm Technologies’ Snapdragon® Auto 5G Modem-RF Gen 2 solution, and the Fraunhofer IIS NESC AI voice codec. This enables voice communications to be sent using the NB-IoT communications protocol over Viasat’s highly reliable, L-band satellite network.

For the first time, this technology was integrated with BMW Group’s in-vehicle architecture, allowing voice calls to be initiated and managed directly through the vehicle interface. By extending messaging and voice services beyond cellular coverage, automakers like BMW Group can ensure drivers remain connected for emergency assistance and critical safety applications, regardless of location.

“This demonstration reflects broader industry excitement to ensure consistent, resilient satellite capabilities for next-generation vehicles.” said Sandeep Moorthy, the senior vice president of advanced non-terrestrial solutions at Viasat. “By bringing standards-based NTN to vehicles, we can integrate satellite voice and messaging and ultimately enable a future where drivers can remain connected — wherever the journey takes them.”

Viasat, BMW Group, Cubic³ and Fraunhofer IIS are active members of the 5GAA (5G Automotive Association), which brings together technology and automotive partners to develop real-world, scalable connectivity solutions for all road users. Satellite-enabled automotive connectivity applications include voice and messaging emergency services, fleet management and over-the-air updates in low-connectivity regions.

The NB-IoT protocol, which can support lower data-rate applications, is enabled by global 3GPP standards. Future releases are expected to pave the way for 5G-New Radio (5G-NR) satellite services, which could support video streaming and seamless roaming between terrestrial and satellite networks.

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