Viasat has said its experts have successfully demonstrated satellite-enabled voice call capabilities as part of a research collaboration during the 5G Automotive Association (5GAA) Meeting Week in Munich, Germany. Integrated with the infotainment system of a BMW iX3, the satellite-enabled voice call demonstration is the first of its kind per Viasat. 

The demonstration used Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) communications to extend vehicle connectivity into remote or underserved areas where cellular service may be limited or unavailable. Viasat said the system allows voice calls to be started and managed through the vehicle interface.

The demonstration built on earlier work with eSIM capabilities from Cubic³ and used Qualcomm Technologies' Snapdragon Auto 5G Modem-RF Gen 2 solution and the Fraunhofer IIS NESC AI voice codec. The setup sends voice communications using the NB-IoT communications protocol over Viasat’s L-band satellite network.

Viasat said integrating the technology with BMW Group’s in-vehicle architecture could support messaging and voice services beyond cellular coverage, including emergency assistance and safety applications.

Viasat, BMW Group, Cubic³ and Fraunhofer IIS are members of the 5GAA, which groups technology and automotive companies working on scalable connectivity solutions for road users. Potential satellite-enabled automotive uses include voice and messaging emergency services, fleet management and over-the-air updates in areas with limited connectivity.

The NB-IoT protocol supports lower data rate applications and is enabled by global 3GPP standards. Viasat said future releases are expected to support 5G-New Radio satellite services, including video streaming and roaming between terrestrial and satellite networks.

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