Viasat demonstrates first integrated automotive satellite voice call capability with BMW Group

Viasat experts demonstrate satellite-enabled voice call capabilities as part of research collaboration during this week’s 5G Automotive Association Meeting Week in Munich, Germany: for the first time integrated with the infotainment system of a BMW iX3. Showcase highlights what might be possible in future and the potential for reliable voice and messaging connectivity beyond the reach of traditional terrestrial networks.

MUNICH, July 16, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Viasat, Inc. (NASDAQ: VSAT), a global leader in satellite communications, today 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 leading provider of software-defined vehicle (SDV) solutions, Viasat experts in Munich utilized advanced technology including Qualcomm Technologies Inc.’s 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.

Viasat, BMW Group, Cubic 3 , 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.

About Viasat Viasat is a global communications company that believes everyone and everything in the world can be connected. With offices in 24 countries around the world, our mission shapes how consumers, businesses, governments and militaries around the world communicate and connect. Viasat is developing the ultimate global communications network to power high-quality, reliable, secure, affordable, fast connections to positively impact people’s lives anywhere they are - on the ground, in the air or at sea, while building a sustainable future in space. In May 2023, Viasat completed its acquisition of Inmarsat, combining the teams, technologies and resources of the two companies to create a new global communications partner. Learn more at www.viasat.com , the Via...