Abstract
This paper presents a study that used satellite communication as a complimentary communication solution to text messaging or GSM in the existing emergency call (eCall) service. This was the first trial that satellite communication was used in eCall. Two types of satellite communication systems,Iridium and Thuraya, were used in the trial. Tests were carried out in different conditions in order to understand factors which affect quality of satellite communication. Results have shown that satellite communication can deliver emergency call service in areas where GSM signals are weak and unavailable. Thus, satellite communication can be a complementary communication solution.