The global automotive network access device (NAD) module market continued its upward trajectory in the first quarter (1Q 2025), with shipments rising by 14% year-on-year (YoY), according to Counterpoint Technology Market Research’s latest Global Automotive NAD Module & Chipset Tracker.

This growth was largely fueled by surging demand for in-car connectivity, particularly in China. Embedded connectivity is increasingly becoming a standard feature even in mid- and entry-level vehicle trims as automakers across regions ramp up efforts to monetize connected services and regularly update in-vehicle software.

Global NAD Module Shipments Share by Region, Q1 2025

The global NAD module market is gaining strong momentum, led by top vendors and accelerating 5G adoption in China’s automotive sector. While Qualcomm continues to lead the chipset space, increasing competition from new entrants signals a shifting landscape. As the market evolves, technologies like 5G RedCap and satellite-based NTN are emerging as key enablers for the next phase of connected vehicle innovation.

Automakers are beginning to integrate satellite NTN connectivity into their vehicles to support key applications like emergency services and SOS/eCall features in scenarios where terrestrial networks lack reliable coverage. Much of this integration is for planned deployments, and companies across the supply chain are involved. For example, Skylo is integrating its satellite NTN software stack with suppliers across the connected car supply chain, including chipset suppliers such as Qualcomm and Mediatek, module suppliers, such as Rolling Wireless, LG Innotek, and TCU suppliers, such as Harman.

While 4G Cat 4 currently dominates NAD modules for OEM telematics, RedCap will take over in vehicles with L2 ADAS and below. Vehicles with SAE Level 4 and 5 demand the full capabilities 5G offers, but since the majority of vehicles sold will be Level 3 and below, RedCap will power those vehicles’ next-gen telematics, light infotainment, and basic V2X functions, driven by growing investment from MediaTek, Qualcomm, and ASR.

Although the NAD module market continues to expand as automakers around the world adopt 5G, 5G RedCap, and NTN technologies, regulatory scrutiny, pricing barriers, and OEM readiness will dictate the pace of adoption of next-generation solutions globally.

By: DocMemory
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