LG Vehicle Solution (LG VS) experts explain how telematics is entering a new stage of evolution, moving beyond individual communication functions toward a broader role in how vehicle connectivity and services are integrated and managed.
In the past, vehicle telematics was largely associated with emergency call (eCall) for emergency assistance. Today, vehicles are connected to the internet, and multiple technologies are converging across the vehicle.
Its role has expanded to Over-the-Air (OTA) updates, remote control, and data-driven services, while real-time connectivity is bringing vehicles, data, and services closer together.
As vehicle connectivity expands, how far will the role of telematics evolve?
KEY TAKEAWAY: Connectivity performance is becoming standardized, shifting differentiation toward the services and experiences built on top. Telematics is evolving into an integrated platform connecting vehicles, cloud, and services.
Yongmin Lee | Senior Professional, Product Planning, LG Vehicle Solution
Telematics is no longer just about adding more features. The structure itself is changing. As the market rapidly shifts from 4G to 5G, connectivity performance is converging at a higher level across the industry. More than connectivity itself, the services and experiences built on top of it are becoming an increasingly important competitive edge.
Product architecture is also evolving quickly. The traditional Telematics Control Unit (TCU)-centered structure is moving toward Smart Telematics that integrates the antenna, while satellite communication is expected to make in-vehicle connectivity technologies even more diverse.
At the same time, vehicles are connecting to the cloud in real time. Managing individual features alone is no longer enough. The entire service environment increasingly needs to operate as an integrated whole.
KEY TAKEAWAY: Different vehicles, regions, and network environments require different connectivity approaches. Reliable mass production depends on designing communication modules, antennas, and vehicle systems together from the start.
Changsik Woo | Leader, NAD Platform Development, LG Vehicle Solution
From a mass-production perspective, telematics is moving from a relatively independent, feature-centered module toward vehicle-wide connectivity design.
Different regulations, network environments, and service needs mean a one-size-fits-all approach no longer works, requiring adaptation for each vehicle and region. At the same time, signal dead zones and interference make performance prediction and issue analysis more complex in real-world environments.
Communication modules, antennas, and vehicle systems therefore need to be designed together as an integrated architecture from the earliest stages of development.
KEY TAKEAWAY: OEMs are seeking greater control over the architecture and service layers shaping connected vehicle experiences and future revenue. Integrated design across the Network Access Device (NAD), antenna, and vehicle architecture also makes balancing ownership and partnership increasingly important.
Yongmin Lee | Senior Professional, Product Planning, LG Vehicle Solution
Telematics is now seen by OEMs as a core area that can determine vehicle competitiveness, rather than a single component to be outsourced. The traditional OEM–Tier 1–Tier 2 supply structure is also evolving as OEMs take greater control of their connectivity strategies.
This does not necessarily mean internalizing every core component such as the Network Access Device (NAD). The focus is on owning how connectivity is architected and what data and services are built on top of it.
Because the NAD, antenna, and vehicle architecture need to be co-designed, collaboration with partners that have integrated design capabilities remains important. OEMs therefore need to determine where to take ownership and where to partner.
Telematics is also becoming a service platform, with data and subscription services creating ongoing revenue and longer-term customer relationships after the vehicle sale. Control of this service layer can therefore influence future revenue structures.
KEY TAKEAWAY: Satellite communication complements terrestrial networks where coverage is limited, while Multi-NAD adds flexibility across carrier networks. Together, they support more continuous and reliable vehicle connectivity.
Hajong Sung | Research Fellow, Telematics Development, LG Vehicle Solution
Vehicle connectivity has mainly relied on terrestrial cellular networks, but mountains, deserts, disaster zones, and other real-world environments still create coverage gaps.
With vehicle data transmitted to OEM servers for service improvement and vehicle management, the benchmark is shifting from 'Does it connect well normally?' to 'Can it stay connected anytime, anywhere?'
Satellite communication can complement terrestrial networks in these coverage gaps. Smartphone emergency messaging and rescue services are already commercialized, while automotive applications are expanding from eCall and simple message delivery. While limitations remain in data capacity and speed, automotive satellite communication continues to progress through Direct-to-Cell (D2C), Internet of Things Non-Terrestrial Network (IoT-NTN), and New Radio Non-Terrestrial Network (NR-NTN), making strategic preparation important.
Continuous connectivity is also becoming critical for services such as robotaxis, where remote monitoring, remote control, and billing depend on an Always Connected environment. This is also driving the need for Multi-NAD, which enables vehicles to flexibly use multiple carrier networks.
KEY TAKEAWAY: Future competitiveness in vehicle connectivity will depend on how effectively diverse connectivity technologies work together. A Connectivity Hub integrates these technologies into one platform to select and optimize connections for each situation.
Hajong Sung | Research Fellow, Telematics Development, LG Vehicle Solution
Telematics is expected to evolve beyond a communication module into the vehicle's Connectivity Hub, bringing together technologies including 5G, satellite, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Ultra-Wideband (UWB).
The goal is an integrated connectivity platform that can select the most suitable connection for each situation and operate seamlessly.
Achieving reliable connectivity requires more than adding individual technologies. The entire communication system needs to be optimized across antenna design, hardware, and software, with an architecture that allows multiple communication devices to work together effectively.
Future competitiveness will therefore depend on the ability to integrate and optimize diverse connectivity technologies into one platform, including satellite communication and Multi-NAD. LG already has experience developing similar technologies with OEMs, providing technology assets that can support these evolving requirements.
KEY TAKEAWAY: LG is developing the Connectivity Hub as an integrated vehicle-wide architecture. Coordinated design across modules, antennas, and systems supports optimized connectivity and consistent performance across diverse network environments.
Changsik Woo | Leader, NAD Platform Development, LG Vehicle Solution
LG is preparing a hub architecture that integrates vehicle-wide connectivity, bringing terrestrial networks, satellite communication, and local connectivity together within a single system.
Rather than operating independently, these connectivity methods can be selected and managed according to each situation.
From a mass-production perspective, LG considers communication modules, antennas, and vehicle systems together from the earliest stages of development, while strengthening design and validation for consistent performance across countries and network environments.
The goal is a Connectivity Hub architecture designed to deliver reliable and optimized connectivity across diverse environments.
Through today's discussion, we've seen that telematics is no longer simply a communication function.
It is evolving into a platform that brings together connectivity in and around the vehicle with a broader range of services. Terrestrial networks will continue to play a central role, while satellite communication and other connectivity technologies expand how and where vehicles can stay connected.
Bringing these different technologies together will also change the standard for vehicle connectivity itself, moving toward a more integrated approach to selecting, managing, and optimizing connections.
It will be interesting to see how far the role of telematics continues to expand as vehicle connectivity evolves.
Hyunjin Kim | Moderator, Connectivity Advanced Development, LG Vehicle Solution
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