- The module combines satellite, 5G, and LTE to maintain vehicle connectivity across different network environments.
- It targets autonomous, commercial, and emergency vehicles, with production scheduled to begin in 2025.
What happened: LG Innotek launches satellite-based 5G module for vehicles
South Korea’s LG Innotek has revealed the world’s first automotive 5G broadband satellite communication module. The company’s new hardware combines satellite, 5G, and LTE communication functions into a single unit, allowing vehicles to automatically switch to the strongest available signal. According to LG Innotek’s announcement, the module ensures high-speed and reliable connectivity even in areas with no mobile network coverage.
The module is designed for robust performance in harsh conditions, including high temperatures and vibration. LG Innotek plans to begin mass production in 2025 and is already working with global satellite operators and major automakers. It is tailored for use in autonomous vehicles, logistics fleets, and emergency response units where real-time connectivity is essential.
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Why it’s important: Filling connectivity gaps in vehicle communication
This development addresses a critical limitation in connected mobility—network dead zones that compromise vehicle-to-cloud services. As modern vehicles increasingly rely on real-time data for navigation, diagnostics, and autonomous functions, the absence of a stable connection can pose risks. LG Innotek’s module offers a practical alternative by integrating satellite capabilities directly into the vehicle’s system.
While satellite internet services like Starlink and Amazon’s Project Kuiper aim for broad coverage, LG Innotek’s module offers OEMs a plug-in solution compatible with existing platforms. This component-based strategy enables faster deployment and potential cost savings for manufacturers needing resilient connectivity in cross-border and rural logistics operations.
Given uneven 5G infrastructure worldwide, hybrid modules like this may become essential for ensuring uninterrupted vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication. As vehicle automation advances, the pressure to eliminate coverage black spots grows. LG Innotek’s move, though not revolutionary, is a meaningful step in enhancing global automotive connectivity.
