LG Innotek said on Monday it has developed the world’s first automotive 5G communication module with satellite connectivity, a move the company says will enable seamless, high-volume data transmission in vehicles, even in areas lacking terrestrial network coverage.
The so-called third-generation 5G module supports broadband satellite communication (NR-NTN), an upgrade over previous narrowband systems that were limited to slower, low-volume data exchange. The new module offers data transmission speeds reaching tens of megabits per second and reduced latency to a few hundred milliseconds, significantly enhancing real-time connectivity.
“This product represents a turning point in the evolution of in-vehicle communication,” said Byaeng-kuk Yoo, head of LG Innotek’s Automotive Components Business Unit. “We plan to actively expand our vehicle communication module business, which we see as a core growth driver.”
The module is designed to support Software-Defined Vehicles (SDVs) and autonomous driving systems by enabling communication with both terrestrial base stations and non-terrestrial networks. This dual connectivity is intended to allow vehicles to exchange real-time location data and receive remote software updates, even in remote or disaster-hit areas.
The technology adheres to the international 3GPP Release 17 standard, the first to include 5G support for satellite networks. LG Innotek said this ensures global compatibility and could support widespread adoption by automakers.
LG Innotek plans to begin mass production of the module in early 2026, targeting manufacturers in markets such as North America and Japan. The company aims to expand its vehicle communication module segment into a business exceeding $800 million.
Industry forecasts suggest strong long-term growth for automotive 5G modules, with installed units projected to rise from 4 million in 2024 to 75 million by 2032, representing a compound annual growth rate of 43%.