Abstract: An activation system (20, 120) and method for establishing a voice communication through a radio system (22, 122) in a vehicle. The activation system (20, 120) includes a remote activation device (24, 124) and a wireless communication device (26). The remote activation device (24, 124) has a switch (38, 138) and a transmitter (40, 140). The transmitter (40, 140) is responsive to the switch (38, 138) and capable of transmitting an activation signal (A) such as an FM signal. The wireless communication device (26) has a controller (54), a radio transceiver (56), and a cellular transceiver (58). The controller (54) is capable of detecting the activation signal (A) from the remote activation device (24, 124) through the radio transceiver (56). The cellular transceiver (58) is used for receiving the downlink audio of the voice communication.