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

In a landmark move for satellite communications, KT SAT, South Korea's top satellite operator, and Japan's leading satellite services provider, SKY Perfect JSAT, have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU). This agreement sets the stage for joint research and development activities centered on 5G Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) based on geostationary satellites. The partnership aims not only to enhance technical validation of necessary equipment but also to facilitate the future commercialization of 5G NTN services.

Advancing 5G NTN Validation

Under this new agreement, KT SAT and SKY Perfect JSAT are collaborating to drive the technical validation of ground and user equipment for NTN services that utilize geostationary satellites. This includes establishing a reference architecture for seamless 5G NTN operations using Ka and Ku band frequencies. Such collaboration is directed at promoting interoperability with open standards while building a stronger relationship with global technology providers.

Both companies are focusing on practical and coordinated R&D activities to validate 5G NTN systems within real operational environments associated with geostationary satellites. Key initiatives include conducting joint trials using shared 5G NTN testbeds, developing reference architectures for ground Network Slices and User Equipment systems in line with 3GPP standards, and exchanging results and system parameters to ensure technical alignment.

To further support this mission, SKY Perfect JSAT plans to leverage its 'Universal NTN Innovation Lab.'

Exploring Global Interoperability

Additionally, they intend to explore interoperability and roaming capabilities between their respective geostationary satellite networks. This vision is directed towards evolving their partnership into a global NTN alliance. By collaborating with international satellite operators and ecosystem partners, they aim to accelerate the commercialization of 5G NTN, thereby creating a robust and interconnected 5G ecosystem.

The establishment of this ecosystem, strengthened by open standard interoperability, promises mutual benefits for both end-users and satellite operators. This expanded ecosystem will help achieve economies of scale in terminal production, making 5G NTN solutions more affordable and accessible to a broader clientele worldwide. Furthermore, it will enhance resilience and disaster preparedness capabilities, allowing both firms to provide essential communications during emergencies, thus ensuring uninterrupted connectivity.

CEO Youngsoo Peter Seo of KT SAT remarked, "This partnership is a crucial step towards advancing NTN based on geostationary satellites. By leveraging the outcomes of this collaboration, KT SAT is committed to actively exploring the commercialization of NTN-based terrestrial systems and terminals, aiming to boost the competitiveness of our next-generation geostationary satellites in the global marketplace."

Conversely, Eiichi Yonekura, President and CEO of SKY Perfect JSAT, stated, "We believe this initiative will bring us closer to our goal of a world that is connected anytime and anywhere. By harnessing the technologies and expertise cultivated by both companies, we will facilitate the development of a seamless 5G NTN ecosystem that bridges space and terrestrial networks."

The official announcement of this partnership will take place at the 6G Mobile Korea 2025 conference on October 30th, highlighting the significance of this collaboration in the future of satellite communications and 5G technology.