SK Telecom Develops Disaster Communication Technology Using Low Earth Orbit Satellites... Receives Minister of Science and ICT Award

Awarded Ministerial Prize at Radio and Broadcasting Technology Awards
Utilizing Low Earth Orbit Satellites and Ultra-Small Base Stations
"Development of Terrestrial Network and Satellite Communication Convergence Technology"

SK Telecom announced on the 20th that it received the Minister of Science and ICT Award at the 25th Radio and Broadcasting Technology Awards for its development of disaster communication technology using low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites and ultra-small base stations.

Ryu Jemyung, Director of Network Policy at the Ministry of Science and ICT (far right in the photo), and the recipients of the Radio and Broadcasting Technology Award pose for a commemorative photo (second from the right is Ryu Takgi, Head of Infrastructure Technology at SK Telecom). Photo by SKT

The Radio and Broadcasting Technology Awards are presented by the Ministry of Science and ICT to recognize outstanding technologies developed by domestic companies in the telecommunications and broadcasting sectors each year. SKT has been honored with the Minister’s Award for three consecutive years, following its AI-based media service 'PlusBar' in 2022 and the commercialization of the AI-based location analysis platform 'LITMUS' in 2023.

SKT’s disaster communication technology, which won this year’s award, was highly evaluated for its ability to provide rapid and stable communication and positioning services by utilizing LEO satellites and ultra-small base stations even when terrestrial infrastructure is damaged due to war or disasters.

In particular, the solution, composed of vehicle-type and backpack-type units, enables emergency communication use anytime and anywhere according to the situation, and is also linked with the national disaster safety communication network (PS-LTE), facilitating smooth support for government rescue operations and essential information delivery.

To enhance the capacity and stability of the LEO satellite backhaul, SKT has developed and continuously advanced various pioneering technologies such as multi-satellite antenna combining technology, AI-based satellite simulators, and precise satellite positioning technology.

Building on this award, SKT plans to further solidify its technological leadership in the satellite communication field. Preparing for the 6G era, it aims to develop core technologies necessary to integrate terrestrial mobile networks and satellite communications, securing excellent technological competitiveness in mid- to long-term R&D. In line with the expected domestic launch of LEO satellite communication services early next year, SK Telecom plans to strengthen close cooperation with SK Telink in both technology and business aspects.