Harman adds satellite voice calling to Ready Connect

Harman has announced a collaboration with Viasat to enable in-cabin voice calling over satellite communications, providing connectivity in areas with limited or no cellular coverage. The capability, demonstrated at MWC Barcelona 2026, uses Harman’s Ready Connect telematics control unit (TCU) and Viasat’s mobile satellite services constellation.

The satellite voice calling feature is designed to support emergency assistance and roadside recovery where cellular networks are unavailable. Harman says the capability augments rather than replaces terrestrial connectivity, with the Ready Connect TCU supporting 4G, 5G and narrowband non-terrestrial network satellite connectivity using the same base solution.

Beyond voice calling, the collaboration supports messaging, emergency SOS features and low-data-rate telematics use cases including remote vehicle operation, stolen vehicle tracking and remote diagnostics. The companies say their roadmap includes broadband satellite services that could enable in-cabin media streaming and high-bandwidth connectivity.

In a statement, Dhanaji Khade, Vice President and Ready Connect Business Lead at Harman, said: “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.”

Sandeep Moorthy, Senior Vice President of Advanced Non-Terrestrial Services at Viasat, added: “Through our collaboration with Harman, vehicles can now connect directly to our satellite network. That means major benefits for drivers all around the world.”

Harman is a subsidiary of Samsung Electronics.

Source: Harman