LG Unveils Innovations for Next-Gen Connected Cars at 5GAA 2025 Conference

From May 12 to 15, 2025, LG Electronics, a leading technology provider in the mobility sector, showcased its cutting-edge IoT technology at the 5G Automotive Association (5GAA) conference in Paris, France. The highlight of the event was a live demonstration that featured a vehicle equipped with next-gen telematics control units based on Non-Terrestrial Networks (IoT-NTN). This groundbreaking demonstration marked the first uninterrupted voice communication of high quality while seamlessly transitioning between terrestrial networks (TN) and non-terrestrial networks (NTN).

What is IoT-NTN?

IoT-NTN is an advanced communication network system that combines satellite communication with high-altitude stations to ensure connectivity in areas where traditional terrestrial networks such as 3G, 4G, and 5G cannot reach. This technology supports crucial applications including autonomous driving, vehicle tracking, remote control, and emergency communications. It becomes especially valuable in remote locations like deserts, oceans, mountainous regions, or disaster-stricken areas where terrestrial infrastructure is compromised, playing a crucial role in enhancing future mobility aimed at improving driver safety.

To further enhance this capability, LG has developed a next-generation solution that integrates AI-powered voice compression technology into its IoT-NTN system. This innovation significantly reduces the size of voice messages, overcoming data limitations that previously restricted satellite communication to brief emergency text messages. Consequently, voice transmissions can be sent over ten times faster than before, facilitating real-time two-way conversations. In emergency situations, vehicle occupants can simply press a single emergency call button to send a voice-based distress signal and describe their situation without needing to input a text message or take additional steps.

During the conference, LG established both NTN and TN zones and conducted a live presentation where a demonstrative vehicle was driven on real roads. Attendees were able to experience the system firsthand by sending voice messages from a TN area and receiving them in an NTN area, and vice versa, clearly illustrating the seamless network switching capability. Supporting this functionality, LG has developed a cloud-based service platform that extends the satellite communication capabilities of vehicles while connecting with TN, significantly enhancing the user experience made possible through the IoT-NTN technology.

LG's Pioneering Role in Connected Technologies

LG is a leader in connected technologies pivotal to the transition towards software-defined vehicles, encompassing telematics, Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) communication, and infotainment system connectivity. According to LG's internal estimates based on data from market research firm Strategy Analytics, the company held a leading share of 24.4% in the global telematics market last year. LG has been an active member of the 5GAA since its founding in 2016. This global, cross-industry consortium was established to explore and market future mobility solutions such as autonomous and connected vehicles based on 5G technology. The association comprises over 110 companies, including major automotive manufacturers, automotive suppliers, telecommunications operators, and chipset and network technology manufacturers.

"Our IoT-NTN technology represents a significant advancement in providing seamless, reliable connectivity for vehicles in the most remote and challenging environments," stated Lee Sang-yong, Head of VS RD Laboratory at LG Vehicle Solution Company. "By enabling real-time voice communication via satellite, we not only enhance driver safety but also lay the groundwork for the next generation of connected mobility solutions."

Looking to the Future

As a trusted and innovative partner, LG's Vehicle Solution Company (VS) is dedicated to bringing user-oriented innovations to the automotive industry. The company provides intelligent solutions, including head units, displays, connectivity, ADAS vision systems, and software solutions for software-defined vehicles. LG aims to enhance future mobility through a diversified portfolio that also includes vehicle lighting systems and IT security. To stay updated on the latest news, you can subscribe to the LG Mobility newsletter, "LG Loop," and follow the LG VS Company on LinkedIn.