LG Electronics plans to offer Starlink low-Earth-orbit satellite internet for its modular home, Smart Cottage, providing high-speed connectivity in suburban and mountainous areas where fixed-line broadband infrastructure is difficult to deploy. The move targets growing demand for second homes and is expected to mark Starlink's expansion in South Korea from primarily business and government customers into the residential market.
According to industry sources on July 26, LG Electronics is expected to sign a memorandum of understanding with SK Telink, Starlink's authorized reseller in South Korea, to introduce satellite internet services for Smart Cottage.
The companies are currently finalizing details of the partnership. LG plans to offer Starlink connectivity as an optional feature for Smart Cottage buyers. Customers choosing the option will sign a separate service agreement with SK Telink, which will manage billing. Subscription fees will be determined under the commercial agreement between the two companies, with SK Telink providing the service through a system integration (SI) model.
Smart Cottage is LG Electronics' modular home, with structural components manufactured in a factory before being assembled on site. It is designed for use as a vacation home, country residence or office. The homes feature smart-home capabilities, including AI-powered appliances and Internet of Things (IoT) device controls. LG recently expanded the lineup with models in the 20-pyeong (about 66 square meters) range.
A key challenge is network infrastructure. Many mountainous and suburban locations lack convenient access to fixed broadband, while installing wired connections can be costly and time-consuming. Because Smart Cottage relies on the LG ThinQ app to remotely control appliances, HVAC systems and energy usage, continuous connectivity is essential. Starlink's low-Earth-orbit satellite network enables users to access high-speed internet virtually anywhere without installing fixed communication lines.
The partnership also gives SK Telink a foothold to expand its low-Earth-orbit satellite business into the consumer market. Since launching Starlink services in South Korea in December last year, the company has focused primarily on business and government customers, including shipping companies and public institutions. In South Korea, where terrestrial broadband coverage is already extensive, demand has been driven mainly by backup communications for disasters rather than eliminating coverage gaps.
By targeting buyers of modular homes for residential and leisure use, SK Telink is expected to broaden its customer base while supporting the expansion of South Korea's low-Earth-orbit satellite market and strengthening recurring revenue from subscriptions and maintenance services.
Market prospects are also favorable. The Korea Iron and Steel Association projects the domestic modular construction market will grow to 4.4 trillion won by 2030. MarketsandMarkets forecasts the global modular construction market will expand at a compound annual growth rate of 6.2% to reach $140.8 billion (about 194 trillion won) by 2029.
An LG Electronics spokesperson said the company plans to equip Smart Cottage with a range of convenience features, including network connectivity, to meet demand from customers building country homes.
