LG Innotek has announced the development of what it calls the world’s first “Third-generation Automotive 5G Communication Module” with broadband satellite connectivity. This new module, introduced on June 9, promises to deliver high-speed, high-volume data transmission capabilities even in the most remote corners of the globe, marking a watershed moment in the evolution of connected and autonomous vehicles.
At the heart of the announcement is the integration of NR-NTN (New Radio–Non-Terrestrial Network), a 5G satellite technology standard with a bandwidth of roughly 30 megahertz. This is a notable departure from prior narrowband modules, which operated on just 0.2 megahertz and were limited to transmitting basic text-level data. The leap to broadband satellite communication empowers vehicles to send and receive megabit-level data—including images, video, and real-time location tracking—regardless of terrain or cellular coverage.
LG Innotek’s new communication module is built to serve the demands of Software-Defined Vehicles (SDVs) and next-generation autonomous driving systems. With high-speed satellite links, vehicles can remain connected in deserts, mountains, or disaster-struck areas where terrestrial networks falter. Emergency transmissions, over-the-air updates, and real-time data streaming become possible without delay. Latency has been drastically reduced from seconds to milliseconds, greatly enhancing vehicle-to-network responsiveness—crucial for safety and autonomous functions.
The technology is underpinned by nearly two decades of vehicular communication R&D from LG Innotek, which began in 2005. With deep expertise in RF (radio frequency) circuit design, signal interference mitigation, and high-efficiency antenna systems, the company has steadily advanced its portfolio, previously releasing the world’s first first- and second-generation 5G automotive modules, including a 5G-V2X module and a digital key solution.
The new module adheres to the 3GPP’s latest 5G standard, Release 17—the first to officially expand 5G service from earth-based to satellite-based networks. This global standardization paves the way for broad international adoption across diverse makes and models of vehicles. LG Innotek has already begun promoting the technology to automotive manufacturers in North America and Japan and aims to start mass production by the first quarter of 2026.
According to LG Innotek executives, this innovation is expected to play a key role in the company’s ambition to expand its automotive communication module business into an $800 million enterprise. “Vehicular communication modules, alongside automotive lighting, form the core of our components strategy,” said Byaeng Kuk Yoo, senior vice president and head of LG Innotek’s Automotive Components Business Unit. “We will continue to lead with technology that offers meaningful differentiation and tangible value to global carmakers.”
Industry forecasts suggest a bright future for the sector. Vehicles equipped with 5G modules are projected to grow from 4 million in 2024 to 75 million by 2032, reflecting a compound annual growth rate of 43 percent. As automotive communication continues to shift toward software-driven, data-intensive platforms, LG Innotek’s third-generation module could become a defining standard for always-connected mobility.
- NR-NTN (New Radio–Non-Terrestrial Network): A satellite-based 5G broadband network that uses low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites to deliver high-speed, high-capacity communication.
- NB-NTN (Narrowband–Non-Terrestrial Network): A legacy satellite network system operating over narrowband frequencies, typically used for transmitting small amounts of data with high latency.