Seamless connectivity shapes the driving experience in today’s connected vehicles. Passengers and drivers demand uninterrupted communication, whether traveling through remote countrysides, urban landscapes, or challenging terrains where cellular coverage drops out. HARMAN, a Samsung company with decades of innovation in automotive technology, and Viasat, a global leader in satellite communications, have joined forces to redefine the future of in-cabin voice calling.

With voice calls transforming from a convenience to a necessity on the move, ensuring reliability even where mobile networks falter becomes a top concern. Imagine a scenario where a family, trekking through the Rockies, stays in touch with loved ones or coordinates logistics without worrying about signal loss. This collaboration directly addresses such needs, combining HARMAN’s expertise in in-vehicle technologies and Viasat’s advanced satellite infrastructure. Together, they aim to deliver uninterrupted, high-quality voice communications inside vehicles, regardless of location—a move set to transform how people interact and stay connected while on the road.

Why Next-Generation In-Cabin Communication Defines the Future of Mobility

Modern Consumer Expectations for Always-On Connectivity

Think about the average journey in a connected car—a destination mapped, playlists streaming, real-time navigation guiding the way. Now, imagine this scenario interrupted by network dropouts once city lights fade into the distance. For today’s car buyers, connectivity ranks among the top priorities. A 2023 Statista survey found that 70% of consumers consider always-on connectivity an influential factor in their vehicle purchase decision, signaling a market shift toward digital-first experiences inside vehicles.

Challenges with Traditional Cellular Networks in Remote Areas

Many rural and remote regions continue to lack reliable cellular coverage. According to the GSMA’s 2022 Mobile Economy report, 450 million people worldwide still lived outside of 4G coverage areas. For in-cabin voice calls, this gap means journeys can suffer from sudden call drops, patchy connection, and dead zones—especially for long-haul travelers, fleets, and drivers traversing cross-country routes. Cellular blackspots don't just inconvenience; they directly impact access to vital communication channels.

Role of Advanced Communication Solutions in Elevating the Passenger Experience

Cutting-edge solutions, such as seamless switching to satellite communication, redefine what passengers expect within the cabin environment. Imagine seamless conference calls, uninterrupted family chats, and effortless access to emergency services—even when traveling through network deserts. The shift from traditional systems to integrated, intelligent connectivity platforms promises interactive entertainment, productivity tools, and real-time diagnostics—all available regardless of the vehicle’s location.

Safety Benefits of Uninterrupted In-Cabin Voice Services

Reliable in-cabin voice connectivity performs a critical safety function. When emergencies strike outside of cellular coverage, satellite-enabled voice services fill the gap, enabling drivers to contact roadside assistance, relay critical health information, or seek help without delay. The US Department of Transportation highlights that direct voice communication can reduce emergency response times by up to 50% following traffic accidents in remote zones. In life-threatening situations, every second counts.

Powering Global Mobility: Viasat’s Satellite Connectivity Solutions

Viasat: Pioneering Advanced Satellite Communications

Viasat ranks among the world’s leading satellite communications providers, with a focus on delivering high-capacity networks that support connectivity in the most remote and challenging environments. Founded in 1986, Viasat holds a portfolio of advanced satellites—now including the Viasat-3 constellation—that enable the transfer of data, voice, and video with speeds up to 100 Mbps for mobile applications. The company serves diverse sectors, from aviation and maritime to government and automotive, leveraging decades of research and technical development.

Optimized Satellite Network for Vehicular Connectivity

Engineers at Viasat design their satellite network architecture to provide uninterrupted service for moving vehicles. Several features distinguish this approach:

• Seamless Global Roaming: Vehicles remain connected across borders, without the handoff disruptions often found in terrestrial networks.
• High-Capacity Throughput: Each Viasat high-throughput satellite (HTS) covers multiple gigabits per second, supporting concurrent in-vehicle voice calls, high-quality streaming, and telematics.
• Adaptive Modulation Technology: Even when on remote highways or in mountainous terrain, onboard antennas adjust to maintain link quality using real-time performance monitoring.

Coverage and Reliability: A Leap Beyond Terrestrial Networks

Mapping Viasat’s coverage reveals satellite footprints that extend over continents, oceans, and deserts. Current Viasat satellites, including Viasat-2 and the newly-launched Viasat-3 Americas (entered commercial service in May 2023), deliver broadband connectivity to more than 95% of North America, with expansion underway for global reach. Where 5G and LTE coverage leaves gaps—especially in rural or cross-country travel—Viasat’s network persists, boasting typical availability rates above 99.5% (Viasat Annual Report, 2023). Failover systems automatically reroute data, maintaining active voice calls and data sessions when the vehicle leaves cellular range. Think about your last long-distance drive. How often did your smartphone connection drop? Now compare that experience to a vehicle with a Viasat-enabled link—moving seamlessly from city centers to remote landscapes, always maintaining voice and data connectivity.

HARMAN: Innovating Connected Vehicle Experiences

The HARMAN Legacy in Automotive Connectivity

HARMAN commands significant influence in the automotive infotainment and connected vehicle sector, with over 50 million vehicles worldwide equipped with its technologies as of 2023. OEMs such as BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Toyota, Volkswagen, and Hyundai include HARMAN systems in their fleets, choosing these solutions for their reliability, scalability, and rich feature sets. The company has secured more than 7,600 patents supporting advances in automotive audio, infotainment, telematics, cybersecurity, and cloud technologies.

Current In-Car Connectivity Solutions by HARMAN

• HARMAN Ignite Platform: Deployed in production vehicles, this cloud platform brings together infotainment, diagnostics, analytics, and over-the-air updates. For example, Ignite Store supports the deployment of new apps and services directly into the vehicle interface.
• Telematics Control Units (TCUs): These connect vehicles to cloud services using cellular, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and now satellite-based protocols. TCUs enable everything from navigation updates to preventative maintenance alerts.
• Premium Audio and Communications: Leveraging brands such as JBL, Harman Kardon, Bang & Olufsen, and Bowers & Wilkins, HARMAN delivers spatial audio and voice enhancement, including advanced echo cancellation and noise reduction for clear communication.

Enhancing Driver and Passenger Communication Services

Interactive communication within the vehicle evolves with HARMAN’s digital cockpit ecosystem, which integrates voice assistants, gesture control, and personalized user profiles. How could a conversation between passengers in a high-noise environment, like a moving vehicle, become clearer? HARMAN’s Clear Chat technology addresses this, utilizing multi-microphone arrays and AI-driven algorithms to distinguish speech from background noise.

Rather than static solutions, continuous updates via the cloud keep user experiences seamless. Drivers and passengers can initiate natural language conversations with virtual assistants, access cloud-based services on the move, and use hands-free calling without connectivity disruptions, provided the vehicle remains within network reach. In regions lacking terrestrial coverage, these systems switch smoothly to alternative channels when enabled, preparing the ground for integration with satellite solutions like those delivered through the Viasat partnership.

What features in modern cars leave a lasting impression on users? According to S&P Global Mobility’s 2023 Connected Vehicle Consumer Survey, 61% of respondents cited reliable in-car connection as a top priority, followed closely by high-quality voice call clarity and secure data exchange between their car and smart devices. HARMAN’s focus aligns directly with these user demands.

The Power of Collaboration: HARMAN and Viasat Partnership

Strategic Reasons Behind the Collaboration

HARMAN and Viasat engineered this partnership to address critical gaps in in-cabin communication. Automotive OEMs increasingly demand secure, global, and uninterrupted connectivity for their customers. Viasat’s mobile satellite networks, which deliver connectivity to more than 90 countries and regions (Viasat Q4 FY2023 Financial Report), align directly with HARMAN’s vision for transforming the connected vehicle ecosystem. Both companies leverage their respective expertise—Viasat in satellite infrastructure and HARMAN in embedded automotive technology—to unlock new possibilities for both manufacturers and end users. Their shared ambition will set a new benchmark for voice-over-satellite (VoS) capabilities, especially where terrestrial networks fail to deliver.

Synergy Between HARMAN’s Vehicle Systems and Viasat's Satellite Network

By integrating HARMAN’s advanced in-cabin communication platforms with Viasat's robust satellite backbone, the partnership creates a seamless channel for voice communication, even in remote or challenging environments. HARMAN’s telematics control units, already deployed in millions of vehicles worldwide, will interface with Viasat’s Global Xpress Ka-band network, which supports data rates exceeding 100 Mbps per vehicle in optimal conditions (Viasat Mobility Solutions). This interoperability facilitates reliable, crystal-clear VoS calls, eliminating the dead zones typical of cellular infrastructure. Users in moving vehicles can initiate or receive calls anywhere the satellite footprint covers, from urban corridors to rural highways or international borders.

Anticipated Impact on the Automotive Technology Industry

Expectations for this collaboration extend well beyond incremental improvement. Industry analysts at MarketsandMarkets project the global connected car market will reach $57.6 billion by 2026, fueled by expanding demand for always-on communication and safety features. By setting a new standard for voice call reliability via satellite, HARMAN and Viasat will directly influence OEM connectivity roadmaps and consumer expectations. Competition among automotive connectivity suppliers will intensify as in-cabin experiences become a key differentiator for buyers. Consider, for instance, how extended coverage areas and high data rates remove traditional barriers to remote vehicle operation, over-the-air diagnostics, and emergency response. The technology foundation established by this partnership will accelerate innovation cycles, encourage new service models, and, ultimately, redefine the in-vehicle communication experience worldwide.

• What opportunities could ultra-reliable satellite voice calls unlock for automotive brands?
• How might OEMs use these capabilities to differentiate their connected offerings in a crowded marketplace?
• Imagine a road trip with uninterrupted voice connectivity—what new services could arise to support travelers?

Enabling Voice-over-Satellite (VoS) Calls: How it Works

Understanding VoS Technology in Vehicles

Voice-over-Satellite (VoS) transfers voice signals via satellite links, bypassing terrestrial cell towers entirely. When a passenger initiates a voice call from inside the vehicle, the in-cabin communication system digitizes the audio and packages it for transmission. These data packets travel from the car’s antenna directly to a Viasat satellite orbiting approximately 35,786 km above the Earth, using the Ka-band frequency. Upon reaching the satellite, the signal routes through Viasat’s secure ground stations, then transitions into standard telecommunications networks to complete the call.

Why does this matter for drivers and passengers? Try to picture a remote highway far outside cellular coverage. A VoS-enabled vehicle maintains uninterrupted voice communication, even when cell signal vanishes. The process remains invisible in real time—the only noticeable difference is the seamless continuity of the call.

Technical Details: Integrating Satellite-Based Voice Calling in Vehicles

• Vehicle Hardware Integration: Each car requires a satellite-enabled telematics control unit (TCU), designed to work with HARMAN’s automotive-grade head units and microphone arrays. This TCU links with a compact, vehicle-mounted Ka-band satellite antenna. The antenna must automatically align with passing satellites, leveraging advanced tracking motors and electronic steering for optimal signal strength, even at highway speeds.
• Seamless Digital Processing: In-cabin voice signals undergo real-time digital encoding to minimize latency and compress data for efficient transmission. HARMAN’s signal processing algorithms shape audio for clarity while filtering out engine noise and cabin echoes.
• End-to-End Encryption and Quality of Service (QoS): Voice data travels on Viasat’s encrypted satellite channels, ensuring privacy. Prioritization algorithms guarantee call quality, even when the onboard system handles simultaneous data, infotainment, and emergency connectivity.
• Automatic Handover: When vehicles enter cellular coverage zones, the system switches the call from satellite to cellular networks with no audio dropout. Software seamlessly manages the transition by preemptively buffering and synchronizing voice packets between both networks.

Consistent Performance in Remote and Urban Zones

Satellite-powered VoS calls function independently of terrestrial towers, providing expansive coverage across deserts, rural highways, and mountainous terrains. When urban buildings or tunnels obstruct a direct satellite link, the system leverages multiple satellite beam paths and quickly reconnects as line-of-sight returns.

In cities, where traditional networks typically excel, the system intelligently selects the optimal link—satellite or cellular—based on speed, latency, and current network congestion. Users experience a consistent in-cabin voice calling experience whether navigating metropolitan streets or remote backroads.

Can you remember the last time your call dropped because you drove through a coverage dead zone? With HARMAN and Viasat’s VoS integration, those disruptions become increasingly rare.

Over-the-Air Communication Systems: Seamless Integration

OTA Updates: The Backbone of Next-Generation Deployment

Automotive manufacturers, faced with a fast-changing digital landscape, require tools to deliver new features without the need for dealership appointments or service center visits. Over-the-air (OTA) updates, utilizing high-capacity satellite connectivity from Viasat and HARMAN's advanced device management platforms, allow software deployments directly to in-cabin modules and vehicle head units.

Unlike traditional wired or manual updates, OTA systems push new software, security patches, and application enhancements whenever a vehicle is online. For OEMs, this technology significantly reduces warranty costs and accelerates the rollout of new in-cabin experiences. In 2023, S&P Global Mobility reported that nearly 25% of all vehicles sold globally were OTA-capable, with forecasts predicting global OTA revenue to hit $7 billion by 2025 (source: S&P Global Mobility, 2023).

Security and Performance at the Forefront

OTA updates provide a robust tool for maintaining cybersecurity resilience. When vulnerabilities emerge, manufacturers launch immediate patches, delivered seamlessly over encrypted channels. No physical intervention is necessary, which not only saves resources but also shields vehicles from prolonged exposure to cyber threats. For example, HARMAN employs multi-layer authentication while Viasat secures communication with AES-256 encryption protocols—benchmarks recognized across the entire connected vehicle industry.

Performance optimizations—ranging from faster infotainment response to improved voice recognition accuracy—arrive in minutes instead of months, transforming the end-user experience. OEMs send targeted enhancement packs that tune voice call clarity, refine cabin noise cancellation algorithms, and optimize data usage efficiency. Such iterative improvements contribute directly to increased customer satisfaction and perceived value.

Real Gains for OEMs and End-Users

• OEMs avoid recall-related downtime, as software defects or compliance updates happen in real time, dramatically reducing service costs.
• Drivers and passengers receive the latest features, security improvements, and usability enhancements without visiting dealerships or scheduling software updates.
• Fleet managers benefit from uniform software standards across their entire vehicle inventory, improving operational oversight and compliance reporting.
• Manufacturers analyze anonymized aggregated data to track update effectiveness, enabling rapid iteration and customer-driven innovation cycles.

Consider the last time a mobile phone updated overnight—you woke up to a smarter, more secure device. The integration of HARMAN and Viasat extends this same paradigm to your vehicle, redefining how drivers and passengers engage with their in-cabin digital world. How would the ability to receive new capabilities and stronger security without interruption change your perspective on vehicle ownership?

Enhanced Passenger Experience Through Always-On Connectivity

Transforming Comfort, Safety, and Productivity in Transit

Reliable voice calling powered by HARMAN and Viasat delivers a seamless layer of in-cabin communication, allowing passengers to maintain connections wherever the journey takes them. Business travelers participate in critical conference calls without interruptions as their vehicle crosses areas with limited cellular coverage. For families, parents coordinate logistics and check in on loved ones while navigating remote highways. This uninterrupted connectivity produces enhanced comfort, especially on long trips that previously suffered from extended communication blackouts.

• Safety improvements arise as drivers and passengers access emergency services directly, even in cellular dead zones. On rural routes or during severe weather, satellite-based voice calling enables consistent access to roadside assistance and real-time coordination with emergency response teams.
• Work on-the-go becomes routine for teams traveling between client sites or regional offices. Instead of rescheduling calls or losing productivity, employees collaborate using clear, reliable voice connections that remain stable throughout their route.
• Travel comfort sees a distinct upgrade. Routine social calls, booking hotel rooms, or simply staying connected to friends all happen without signal dropouts, even as vehicles traverse mountains, deserts, or rural farmland.

Voice-over-Satellite in Scenarios Where Traditional Connectivity Fails

Mobile voice services often struggle in rural, mountainous, or otherwise remote geographies, where cellular towers offer uneven or non-existent coverage. In scenarios such as long-haul trucking across the Midwest, or family vacations through national parks, traditional mobile connectivity typically cuts out. With Viasat’s satellite backbone, passengers experience uninterrupted voice quality at altitudes or in territories that usually block mobile signals.

Fleet operators gain added value through real-time dispatch updates for cargo or ride-share coordination, while passengers in car services coordinate precise pick-up times in real time. Interactive calls streamline logistics when traditional approaches falter.

Boosting Value for Diverse Mobility Use Cases

• Ride-share fleets deliver a premium experience as drivers and passengers maintain real-time voice communication for route adjustments or customer support, regardless of coverage gaps.
• Commercial vehicles unlock new efficiency levels—dispatchers, maintenance personnel, and drivers collaborate in real time, keeping shipments and service calls on schedule without relying on uncertain mobile networks.
• Family travel becomes less stressful, since parents and children can call, coordinate, and connect from anywhere on the road, regardless of geography.

What connectivity gaps have you encountered on the road? Imagine a trip where in-cabin calls remain flawless from city to canyon. With HARMAN and Viasat, this scenario shifts from aspiration to everyday reality.

Emerging Trends: Smart Mobility and Connected Vehicle Innovation

Satellite Communications: Shaping the Smart Mobility Landscape

Smart mobility accelerates at a rapid pace as satellite communications remove the final barriers to global, high-availability connectivity. Traditional cellular networks fail to deliver universal coverage, especially on highways, remote rural roads, or across international borders. With Viasat’s advanced satellites providing Ka-band and emerging LEO solutions, vehicles achieve consistent gigabit-level throughput. This shift creates reliable environments for voice calls, real-time navigation, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) connectivity, and in-cabin infotainment, independent of terrestrial network limitations.

Consider transcontinental freight transport. Using satellite-linked telematics, logistics managers monitor, reroute, and respond to incidents in real-time. Urban transit fleets benefit from congestion-reducing route management powered by always-on data. Even in regions with limited infrastructure investment, seamless connectivity arrives via space-based capacity, closing longstanding digital divides.

The Silent Revolution: Always-Connected Vehicles and Autonomous Systems

Manufacturers integrate high-throughput, redundant connectivity as a standard feature in new models. Vehicles exchange gigabytes of information per hour with OEM servers, updating firmware, optimizing performance, and enabling predictive maintenance—without requiring the driver’s intervention. As autonomous driving systems gain acceptance, uninterrupted voice and data links allow for instant map refreshes, remote diagnostics, and coordinated fleet operations across vast areas.

• In 2023, the global connected car market stood at $63.03 billion, and analysts at Fortune Business Insights project $211.53 billion by 2030, indicating robust compound annual growth rates of 18.1%.
• By 2025, SBD Automotive estimates that up to 90% of new vehicles in key markets will ship with embedded connectivity platforms, supporting a host of telematics and in-cabin experiences.
• McKinsey research shows that autonomous driving functions require data exchanges of up to 25 GB per hour; only always-on satellite connections can support this demand on highways or in outlying areas.

Industry Implications: Beyond Communication – Shifting the Entire Ecosystem

HARMAN and Viasat's partnership sets a new benchmark. Automakers see a blueprint for global, scalable connectivity strategies. Tier 1 suppliers will invest more in hardware and cloud platforms that can natively support satellite links. App developers respond by building robust entertainment, productivity, and safety solutions that thrive when connection is never interrupted.

OEMs gain new competitive edges. Regulators contemplate updated frameworks as cybersecurity and cross-border data flows gain prominence. Insurers gather deeper driver and vehicle insights, fine-tuning risk models and product offerings. Every supply chain participant—from fleet operator to infotainment start-up—pivots toward a model where vehicles operate as dynamic, networked platforms.

Which mobility trend resonates most with your daily routine? Could consistent global connectivity shift where, when, and how you travel or work? These changes are reshaping industry strategies and daily experiences in ways that, just a decade ago, remained firmly out of reach.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Connected Cars and Communication

Predictions for Further Evolution of In-Cabin Connectivity

Step into a world where vehicles transform into extensions of the digital environment. Over the next five years, analysts at MarketsandMarkets project the global connected car market will reach $215.2 billion by 2027, expanding at a CAGR of 19.1% from 2022. Consumer demand for high-bandwidth applications, real-time data exchange, and ultra-low latency voice services will drive automakers and technology partners to refine in-cabin communication capabilities.

Voice-assisted commands, biometric identification, and seamless integration with personal devices already mark a new era for in-vehicle user experience. Satellite-powered connectivity, once a premium add-on for luxury models, now appears on the roadmap for mainstream adoption. How would hands-free conference calls or real-time cloud gaming during road trips reshape travel?

Importance of Scalable and Global Communication Solutions

Regional cellular coverage no longer sets the limit for connectivity. With satellite networks, coverage extends across continents, oceans, and remote landscapes. According to the GSMA Mobile Economy 2023 report, by 2030, 5.5 billion unique mobile users worldwide will expect frictionless voice and data access—whether on crowded highways or mountain passes (GSMA). Scalable satellite links ensure uniform in-cabin service continuity beyond traditional network boundaries.

• Automotive OEMs increasingly demand interoperable, cloud-based infrastructure to support over-the-air updates, diagnostics, and real-time infotainment.
• Scalability enables rapid deployment across multiple vehicle platforms and geographic markets, no matter the regulatory environment or topography.
• Global satellite coverage provides the bedrock for compliance with emerging vehicle safety, emergency, and cybersecurity regulations mandated in international markets.

HARMAN and Viasat’s Role in Driving the Next Wave of Automotive Innovation

HARMAN and Viasat set the benchmark for automotive-grade, always-on communication. By integrating satellite voice capability directly into vehicle architectures, the partners accelerate access to new services—remote diagnostics, live customer care, and fleet management—all while maintaining high standards of data security and reliability. As in-cabin experiences become smarter and more interactive, which other features will depend on uninterrupted two-way voice connectivity?

Manufacturers watch this collaboration closely; competitors move to match or surpass these communication standards. In-vehicle communication will evolve from a convenience to a business-critical pillar, defining brand reputation and user loyalty in the decade ahead.