KT SAT announced on November 29 that it will launch a new Starlink satellite internet service with US 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 around the world. Through this collaboration, KT SAT plans to introduce Starlink's low-orbit satellite services to the Korean market.
KT SAT will initially focus on the mobility sector to offer Starlink. This is to create synergy between geostationary and low-orbit satellites. In particular, the maritime communication sector is expected to grow significantly with the introduction of Starlink. It is common for ships to sail for at least six months or more once they set sail, so they need a communication network that supports both work and leisure.
KT SAT aims to provide an optimal communication environment for ship customers by providing continuous and stable communication in geostationary orbit and low-latency and high-speed communication in low Earth orbit.
In the past, KT SAT has also provided communications for ship operations with its own geostationary satellites. The advantages of geostationary communication are that it provides uninterrupted minimum guaranteed speed and wide coverage, which is continuous and stable, making it ideal for ship business.
Recently, however, with the growing interest in seafarer welfare among many customers, the need for high-speed communications that can support employees' leisure activities such as OTT, online lectures, and games and fulfill their digital needs has increased. To respond to these customer needs, KT SAT has upgraded its maritime communication services by offering both geostationary Maritime Very Small Aperture Terminal (MVSAT) and Starlink.
KT SAT's Starlink is unique compared to other providers because it integrates its own resources with Starlink. KT SAT is the only operator in Korea that has its own satellite, ground control and customer center, and maritime solutions.
Especially in the case of ships, systematic maintenance such as remote technical support and business trip services are important, as communication failures during voyages can be very inconvenient for customers. If you subscribe to KT SAT's maritime service, you will receive 24/7 maintenance support from a customer center staffed by professional technicians, resulting in high customer satisfaction. In addition, various maritime solutions are available, enabling economic operation of ships, intelligent fleet management, and data usage management.
"Low-orbit satellite services are highly valuable in that they provide high-speed communication in areas where ground communication networks are difficult to access, such as air and sea," said Song Kyung-min, CEO of KT SAT. "As a multi-orbit service provider, KT SAT will provide better service value to customers with a high-quality communication network that combines geostationary satellite service know-how and non-geostationary satellites."
Meanwhile, the Starlink service will be introduced in South Korea as soon as SpaceX's South Korean subsidiary, Starlink Korea, receives the necessary approvals from the government.
