KT Builds Dedicated 5G Aviation Network for UAM Around Goheung Aviation Center in Jeonnam

A KT official testing the performance of the UAM-dedicated 5G aviation network established around Jeonnam Goheung Aviation Center. Photo by KT

[Asia Economy Reporter Oh Su-yeon] On the 5th, KT announced that it has completed the construction of a dedicated 5G aviation network for Urban Air Mobility (UAM) in Korea, becoming the first domestic telecom company to do so, and has completed performance verification with the goal of revitalizing the Korean-style UAM ecosystem.

The aviation network built this time will be utilized in the ‘K-UAM Grand Challenge Phase 1 Demonstration Project.’ KT plans to provide communication services necessary for UAM operations in the corridor around the Goheung Aviation Center in Jeollanam-do and at the vertiports (takeoff and landing sites).

The aviation network incorporates KT’s developed 3D coverage optimal design technology and network slicing technology. Through this, it is expected to provide stable 5G service at the UAM flight altitudes of 300 to 600 meters.

The 3D coverage design technology is a technology that applies and optimizes 5G network coverage in three dimensions. Unlike ground coverage optimization applied to flat spaces, it models beam patterns in the three-dimensional UAM flight sections to carry out optimal design. This technology ensures that there are no coverage holes or interference at any altitude where UAM operates.

Network slicing technology is a technology that separates special and general-purpose traffic to guarantee the quality of communication services. For UAM to operate stably, the transmission reliability of control and management data is important, and the aviation network built by KT guarantees the transmission quality of key traffic even under heavy network load conditions.

KT will provide the constructed aviation network not only to the K-UAM consortium companies but also to small and medium-sized UAM airframe manufacturers and operators. Through test flights and cooperation with these companies, KT plans to accumulate optimal aviation network profiles, design, and operational know-how.

Additionally, starting next year, KT plans to significantly enhance the security and reliability of essential communication services for UAM operations by applying satellite communication and quantum cryptography communication technologies to the dedicated UAM aviation network.

Lee Jong-sik, Director (Executive Vice President) of KT Infrastructure DX Research Institute, said, "The construction of this aviation network is the first step to lead the UAM market, which is attracting attention as future mobility," and added, "KT will strengthen cooperation with consortium companies for the successful execution of the K-UAM Grand Challenge demonstration project and will continue efforts to revitalize the domestic UAM business."