KT Signs 6G LEO Satellite Agreement with KT SAT and KAI

Korea Telecom (KT) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with KT SAT and Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) to collaborate on 6G and Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite projects. This partnership aims to enhance Korean companies’ competitiveness in the global 6G and LEO satellite sectors, which are currently dominated by major international players such as SpaceX and Amazon’s Kuiper Systems, the companies said in a joint statement on Sunday.

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Also Read: KT and KT SAT Achieve 5G NTN Link with Geostationary Satellite

Partnership for 6G and LEO

KT explained that, as 6G networks are expected to extend communication coverage from terrestrial to satellite areas, this agreement enables KT, KT SAT, and KAI to work together to compete for leadership in the LEO satellite industry through collaboration.

Low-orbit satellites orbit at an altitude of 500 to 1,200 km, much closer to Earth than geostationary satellites (which orbit at about 35,800 km). This short distance results in minimal data transmission delay, enabling low-orbit satellites to provide relatively high-speed communication services, KT said.

Under the agreement, the three companies will work together to develop core technologies for communication satellite systems, create related ecosystems, and jointly promote domestic and international projects to build 6G low-orbit communication satellites and unmanned complex systems.

Goals for Each Partner

Specifically, KT plans to develop core technology to efficiently link low-orbit satellite communication systems with ground wireless networks. KT SAT will work on acquiring expertise in low-orbit satellite system operations and explore new services that combine low-orbit and geostationary satellites, while KAI will lead the development of low-orbit satellite systems and unmanned complex systems and participate in military-led satellite communication projects, leveraging its military experience.