LG unveils advanced IoT-NTN for uninterrupted in-car voice
LG Electronics showcased its Internet of Things – Non-Terrestrial Networks (IoT-NTN) technology at the 5G Automotive Association (5GAA) conference in Paris, France, from May 12 to 15. The company demonstrated a live satellite-based voice communication system from a moving vehicle, marking the first instance of uninterrupted conversation-level voice communication while switching between terrestrial and non-terrestrial network environments.
IoT-NTN is an advanced communication network system that integrates satellite communication and high-altitude platform stations, ensuring connectivity in areas unreachable by terrestrial networks. This technology supports crucial applications like autonomous driving, vehicle tracking, remote control, and emergency communication, particularly in remote or disaster-stricken areas where terrestrial infrastructure is compromised.
LG has developed a next-generation IoT-NTN solution that incorporates AI-powered voice compression technology, significantly reducing the size of voice messages and enabling two-way conversations. This innovation allows for voice message transmission speeds more than ten times faster than before. In emergency situations, vehicle occupants can press a single emergency call button to send a voice-based distress signal and describe the situation.
During the conference, LG conducted a live demonstration by driving a vehicle equipped with demo equipment on actual roads, showcasing seamless network switching between NTN and TN zones. The company developed a cloud-based service platform to support this capability, extending vehicle satellite communication capabilities and connecting them to TN.
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LG is a leader in connected technologies critical to the transition toward software-defined vehicles, including telematics, Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) communication, and in-vehicle infotainment system connectivity. According to LG’s internal estimates, the company ranked No.1 in the global telematics market last year with a 24.4 percent share.
“Our IoT-NTN technology represents a leap forward for seamless, reliable connectivity for vehicles in the most remote or challenging environments,” said Lee Sang-yong, head of VS R&D laboratory at the LG Vehicle Solution Company. “By enabling real-time voice communication via satellite, we’re not only enhancing driver safety but also laying the groundwork for the next generation of connected mobility solutions.”
LG has been an active member of the 5GAA since its inception in 2016, working alongside major automakers, automotive parts suppliers, telecom operators, and manufacturers of chipsets and network equipment to research and commercialize future mobility solutions based on 5G technology.