Viasat and Cubic³ to Showcase Satellite Voice Calls for Connected Vehicles at MWC 2026
Event summary
- Viasat and Cubic³, in association with Qualcomm and Fraunhofer IIS, will demonstrate satellite-enabled voice calls for connected vehicles at MWC 2026.
- The demo showcases voice connectivity over a 3GPP-compliant non-terrestrial satellite network, ensuring reliability beyond cellular coverage.
- The collaboration builds on a partnership announced in June 2025, combining satellite and terrestrial connectivity for global vehicle communications.
- Future applications include 5G-NR satellite services like video streaming and seamless voice calls, leveraging the jointly held entity Equatys.
- Cubic³ connects over 27 million vehicles across more than 200 countries and territories.
The big picture
The demonstration highlights a significant step forward in ensuring always-on connectivity for vehicles, addressing critical safety and emergency communication needs. This collaboration aligns with the broader industry trend towards software-defined vehicles and the increasing demand for reliable, global connectivity solutions. The partnership between Viasat and Cubic³, along with their joint entity Equatys, positions them to lead in the emerging market for satellite-enabled automotive services.
What we're watching
- Technology Integration
- How the integration of satellite and cellular technologies will affect the reliability and scalability of vehicle connectivity solutions.
- Market Adoption
- The pace at which automakers will adopt satellite-enabled voice and data services for connected vehicles.
- Regulatory Compliance
- Whether the collaboration can navigate global regulatory frameworks to ensure seamless connectivity across borders.
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