Hanwha Systems to Launch 'Space Internet' Service Soon

Orbital Satellite Communication Service Distribution Contract... Initiation of Cross-Border Supply Agreement Approval Process

Hanwha Systems (CEO Uh Seong-cheol) announced on the 24th that it has signed a 'Low Earth Orbit Satellite Communication Distribution and Supply Agreement' with OneWeb to launch domestic services. Through this agreement, Hanwha Systems is on the verge of supplying ultra-high-speed internet using OneWeb's low Earth orbit communication network and is taking steps to obtain government approval for the Cross-Border Provision agreement.

The satellite communication networks used by various countries are composed of satellite frequencies and orbits, secured through international registration with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). When using overseas satellite networks, due to the nature of satellite communication services mainly being used for communication, navigation, and observation, government approval for cross-border supply must be obtained to prevent national security threats such as radio wave intrusion into North Korea.

Hanwha Systems is promoting participation in a commercial low Earth orbit satellite-based communication system project that secures a space internet network by utilizing OneWeb's satellite network. It is preparing to supply B2B satellite communication services that enable 24-hour stable space internet service from low Earth orbit satellites by installing satellite communication antennas in remote areas with difficult internet access, as well as at sea and in the air.

Hanwha Systems completed registration as a telecommunications service provider with the Ministry of Science and ICT in July and plans to submit the cross-border provision agreement to the ministry by the end of this month, attaching the OneWeb distribution and supply contract.

Kim Jeong-ho, Head of Hanwha Systems' Aerospace Division, stated, “We are prioritizing the government-use low Earth orbit communication network project.” He expressed confidence, saying, “Hanwha Systems' space internet service will demonstrate its value by providing seamless and smooth communication in emergency situations such as islands and mountainous areas with poor infrastructure, disasters, and geopolitical crises.”

Meanwhile, on September 28 (local time), OneWeb completed the merger and acquisition (M&A) process with Eutelsat, one of the world's top three satellite communication companies, and changed its name to Eutelsat OneWeb. Eutelsat, which has a large geostationary orbit (GEO) satellite business, is expected to further expand the market through the acquisition of OneWeb's low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite business.