#South Korea #Seoul #SKY Perfect JSAT #5G NTN #KT SAT

KT SAT and SKY Perfect JSAT Join Forces for 5G NTN Development

KT SAT, the leading satellite communications provider from South Korea, has partnered with Japan's premier satellite services company, SKY Perfect JSAT, in a groundbreaking memorandum of understanding (MoU). This agreement marks a significant step toward the advancement of technology linked to GEO-based 5G Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN).

Joint Objectives and Research Focus

The primary aim of this collaboration is to co-develop and rigorously test GEO-based NTN solutions that can elevate the existing satellite communication landscape. By supporting technical validation for both ground equipment and user devices, KT SAT and SKY Perfect JSAT are laying the groundwork for a robust infrastructure that can comply with international standards, specifically leveraging Ka and Ku-band frequencies.

As part of their joint endeavor, both companies will engage in coordinated research activities that simulate real-world operational environments for GEO satellites. This hands-on approach will include shared testing through dedicated 5G NTN testbeds and the formulation of comprehensive reference architectures for the ground and user equipment, adhering to the global 3GPP protocols.

Future Commercialization Plans

The successful outcomes of this research and development initiative are expected to pave the way for the commercialization of GEO-based 5G NTN services. By enhancing interoperability and defining standards across their systems, KT SAT and SKY Perfect JSAT aim to evolve their partnership into an expansive Global NTN Alliance, inviting participation from additional satellite operators worldwide.

The integration of both players' strengths is anticipated to yield a vast ecosystem that delivers mutual benefits to consumers and operators alike. The proposed expansion will boost the production scale of 5G NTN terminals, ultimately leading to decreased costs and broader accessibility for various customer segments.

Enhancing Resilience and Connectivity

Another critical aspect of this collaboration involves improving communication resilience during emergencies. By addressing potential disaster response scenarios, both companies aim to establish a framework that ensures uninterrupted connectivity options for users when unexpected situations arise.

Youngsoo Peter Seo, CEO of KT SAT, emphasized the importance of this partnership, stating, "This agreement signifies a pivotal moment for the GEO-based NTN industry's growth. KT SAT is committed to commercializing NTN-based ground and terminal systems, thus strengthening its position in the global satellite market."

Echoing similar sentiments, Eiichi Yonekura, President and CEO of SKY Perfect JSAT, remarked, "This initiative brings us closer to our vision of a globally interconnected world, enabling seamless communication anytime, anywhere. By leveraging our collective technologies and expertise, we intend to cultivate a cohesive 5G NTN ecosystem that connects both space and terrestrial networks."

Conclusion

This innovative partnership will be officially launched during the 6G Mobile Korea 2025 event on October 30th, underlining its significance in the future of satellite communications. With shared goals and complementary strengths, KT SAT and SKY Perfect JSAT are positioned to redefine the future landscape of satellite-based 5G services, creating a bridge between satellite and terrestrial networking for enhanced global connectivity.

Through this joint effort, both companies are not only advancing technology but are also setting the stage for a new era of communication that promises to bring the world closer together.