Viasat Demonstrates Connected Car Voice Call Over Satellite

The technology could provide emergency communications for vehicles outside of cellular coverage.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Viasat recently demonstrated a bi-directional voice call from a connected vehicle over satellite at a 5GAA event in Sacramento, California. The demonstration used a BMW i4 equipped with an antenna and Qualcomm modem to make the live voice call using Viasat's mobile satellite service network. Viasat says this technology could be used to enable emergency communications for vehicles outside of cellular coverage areas.

Why it matters

This demonstration shows how satellite connectivity can provide a critical backup for emergency communications in vehicles, especially in areas without cellular service. As more cars become connected, having a reliable satellite-based voice and data link could be a lifesaving feature for drivers who find themselves in distress situations away from cellular networks.

The details

Viasat used a Fraunhofer codec to compress the voice data and transmit it over narrowband IoT, low data rate connections on Viasat's mobile satellite service network. The BMW i4 test vehicle was equipped with the standard Qualcomm chipset that includes non-terrestrial network compatibility. Viasat is working with automotive suppliers, telematics providers, and chipset vendors to enable this satellite-based connected car technology to be commercially available.

  • The demonstration took place last week at a 5GAA event in Sacramento, California.

The players

Viasat

An American communications company that provides satellite internet, broadband, and other connectivity services.

5G Automotive Association (5GAA)

A global, cross-industry organization of companies from the automotive, technology, and telecommunications industries, developing solutions for future mobility and transportation services.

BMW i4

An all-electric luxury sedan produced by the German automaker BMW.

Qualcomm

An American multinational corporation that designs and markets wireless telecommunications products and services.

Kevin Cohen

Vice president of Viasat Direct-to-Device.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“A lot of people think that this is never going to be commercially available or this is impossible — We demonstrated that it is possible. This is a commercially viable technology that will save lives and improve peace of mind for drivers when they're outside of cellular coverage.”

— Kevin Cohen, Vice president of Viasat Direct-to-Device (satellitetoday.com)

“What happens when you're driving outside of cell service and your car breaks down, you get in an accident, run out of gas, or the car catches on fire? There's the ability to save lives if you can [communicate] with satellite.”

— Kevin Cohen, Vice president of Viasat Direct-to-Device (satellitetoday.com)

What’s next

Viasat is working across the industry, including with automotive suppliers, telematics control unit developers, and chipset vendors, to enable this satellite-based connected car technology to be commercially available. Automakers will ultimately decide which models or brands will include this feature first.

The takeaway

This demonstration highlights how satellite connectivity can provide a critical backup for emergency communications in vehicles, especially in areas without cellular service. As more cars become connected, having a reliable satellite-based voice and data link could be a lifesaving feature for drivers in distress situations away from cellular networks.