Viasat Demonstrates First In-Car Satellite Call with BMW

Viasat Inc. (VSAT) announced the successful demonstration of the first fully integrated in-car satellite voice call in a BMW iX3, in collaboration with Qualcomm (QCOM), Cubic3, and Fraunhofer IIS. The event took place in Munich under the 5G Automotive Association.

The Product

The system uses Viasat's L-band network, Qualcomm's Snapdragon Auto 5G Modem-RF Gen 2, Cubic3's eSIM, and Fraunhofer IIS's NESC AI voice codec over the NB-IoT protocol. It enables voice calls and messaging outside cellular coverage, enhancing safety and connectivity in remote areas.

Pricing and Availability

Viasat has not yet disclosed pricing or commercial launch details. The service is expected to be available in future BMW models.

Competition

Viasat faces competition from Starlink (SpaceX) and AST SpaceMobile, which are developing direct-to-phone satellite services. However, Viasat's focus on automotive integration gives it an edge in the connected vehicle segment.

Potential Impact on the Company

This demonstration strengthens Viasat's position in the satellite automotive communications market and could lead to new partnerships with automakers. It also supports future revenue from data and connectivity services.