SpaceX 'Starlink' Lands in Korea... KT Provides Internet Service Even in the Open Sea

KT SAT announced on the 29th that it will newly introduce the Starlink satellite internet service in collaboration with the American aerospace company SpaceX.

Starlink is a low-earth orbit (LEO) satellite communication system designed and operated by SpaceX to provide high-speed, low-latency internet to users worldwide. Through this partnership, KT SAT plans to introduce Starlink's low-earth orbit satellite service to the domestic market.

KT SAT will initially focus on the mobility sector to provide Starlink, aiming to create synergy between geostationary and low-earth orbit satellites. In particular, the maritime communication sector is expected to experience significant growth with the introduction of Starlink. Ships typically embark on long voyages lasting at least six months once they set sail. Therefore, a communication network that supports both work and leisure activities is necessary. KT SAT envisions providing stable geostationary communication alongside low-latency, high-speed communication from low-earth orbit satellites.

Until now, KT SAT has provided communication necessary for ship operations using its own geostationary satellites. Geostationary communication supports uninterrupted minimum guaranteed speeds and has wide coverage, making it primarily used for ship operations. However, recently, as many clients have shown increased interest in crew welfare, demand for high-speed communication that supports employees' leisure activities such as OTT, online lectures, and gaming, and satisfies digital needs has grown. To respond to these customer demands, KT SAT has upgraded its maritime communication service by simultaneously offering geostationary-based MVSAT (Maritime Very Small Aperture Terminal) and Starlink.

Song Kyung-min, CEO of KT SAT, said, "Low-earth orbit satellite services have high utilization value as they provide ultra-high-speed communication in areas where ground communication networks are difficult to access, such as in aviation and maritime sectors," adding, "As a multi-orbit service provider, we will offer better service value to customers through a high-quality communication network combining our expertise in geostationary satellite services with non-geostationary satellites."

Meanwhile, the Starlink service is planned to be introduced domestically as soon as Starlink Korea, SpaceX's Korean subsidiary, obtains the necessary government approvals. After the launch of Starlink, KT SAT aims to accelerate the influx of new customers and provide satellite communication services to more than 2,000 ships worldwide within three years.