At MWC 2026, Viasat and Cubic³ – in association with Qualcomm – will showcase satellite-enabled voice calling capabilities for software-defined-vehicles
Viasat and Cubic³, in association with Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. and Fraunhofer IIS, announced a demonstration of satellite-enabled voice calls over a 3GPP-compliant non-terrestrial satellite network for connected vehicles, planned to take place at Mobile World Congress 2026.
The demonstration will showcase a voice call conducted over satellite, enabling vehicles to maintain voice connectivity when cellular networks are patchy or unavailable. This milestone will show that voice communications – a critical benefit for driver safety and emergency access – can operate reliably beyond the reach of terrestrial networks.
The demo brings together several advanced technologies to demonstrate how always-on connectivity can be integrated into modern software-defined vehicles (SDVs). This includes Viasat’s highly reliable satellite network, Cubic³’s global connectivity management platform (CMP) and hybrid eSIM, Qualcomm Technologies’ Snapdragon® Auto 5G Modem-RF Gen 2 platform, and the NESC voice codec from Fraunhofer IIS, with additional technical support from Amarisoft.
By extending voice services beyond cellular coverage, automakers can ensure drivers remain connected for emergency assistance and critical safety applications, regardless of location. The demonstration also lays the foundation for future NTN-enabled vehicles as consumer expectations on data services increase and technology evolves to meet growing demand.
The collaboration builds on the partnership announced by Viasat and Cubic³ in June 2025, which combined satellite and terrestrial connectivity to support global vehicle communications. Cubic³ also intends to work with Viasat to bring future 5G-NR satellite services, such as video streaming and seamless voice calls, to the automotive market.
These future applications would leverage Equatys, a jointly held entity being founded by Viasat and Space42. Equatys is designed to enable seamless 5G connectivity across satellite and terrestrial networks, extending services to billions of people and devices globally.
Driving Leadership in Connected Mobility
Viasat is advancing satellite connectivity for the mobility sector, helping ensure vehicles stay connected everywhere they travel. Cubic³ enables this vision by providing a global
connectivity platform that integrates cellular and satellite networks reliably and effectively for automakers and their customers.
Cubic³ is a software-first technology leader that combines advanced global connectivity and managed services to deliver cost-efficient solutions for automotive, agricultural and transport OEMs. It connects more than 27 million vehicles across over 200 countries and territories, enabling 12 of the top 20 automotive groups to roll out new connected services quickly and consistently.
Quotes
“Today marks the point where satellite connectivity moves from concept to reality for vehicles,” said Sandeep Moorthy, Senior Vice President, Advanced Non-Terrestrial Solutions at Viasat. “Together with our partners, we’re demonstrating that reliable voice connectivity for safety and emergency use can be delivered globally, wherever drivers travel. We are well positioned to bring the benefits of satellite connectivity at scale to the automotive industry.”
“As vehicles become increasingly software-defined, connectivity must be intelligent and truly global,” said André Schlufter, Director of Connectivity Innovation at Cubic³. “This demonstration shows how satellite connectivity can extend the reliability automakers already expect from cellular networks.”
“As pioneers in wireless innovation, we’re making advanced connectivity an integral part of the vehicle platform itself,” said Jeff Arnold, VP & GM, Auto Telematics & Consumer/Connectivity, IE-IOT, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. “Working with Viasat and Cubic³, this demonstration shows how standards based cellular and satellite technologies can be seamlessly integrated to support reliable voice communications – an important step toward resilient, always available safety services for software defined vehicles.”
Viasat, Cubic³, and Qualcomm Technologies are active members of the 5GAA (5G Automotive Association), working with industry partners to advance global connectivity standards for the automotive sector.
See the demonstration live at Mobile World Congress 2026. Visit Viasat at MWC Barcelona, Hall 6, Booth 6A20 to take part.
Above, image credited to Viasat
