KT, a prominent telecommunications leader in South Korea, has achieved a milestone with the integration of the KOREASAT 6 geostationary satellite and terrestrial networks using the 5G non-terrestrial network (NTN) standard. Conducted at KT SAT’s Geumsan Satellite Center in tandem with technology partners Rohde & Schwarz Korea and Viavi Solutions Korea, this integration represents the world’s first use of the 5G NTN standard with a geostationary satellite. The breakthrough holds promise for significantly expanding 5G services to remote and underserved areas traditionally difficult for conventional networks to penetrate.
The NTN technology, as highlighted by Taehoon Kim, CEO of Rohde & Schwarz Korea, plays a crucial role in the future of telecommunications, promising to be foundational for both 5G and forthcoming 6G networks. Lee Jong-sik, Senior Vice President of KT’s Network Research Center, further illuminates this by suggesting that 6G will extend communication capabilities into 3D aerial domains, signifying a move toward ubiquitous global connectivity. These perspectives underscore the immense potential and transformative impact of NTN technology on global communication networks.
Expanding 5G Reach in Remote Areas
One of the most compelling aspects of KT’s achievement lies in its potential to extend the reach of 5G networks to remote and challenging terrains. Traditional network infrastructures often face significant hurdles in mountainous regions or areas that are geographically isolated. By leveraging the 5G NTN standard, KT has demonstrated the feasibility of mitigating signal delays inherent in satellite communication, particularly given the satellite’s 35,800-kilometer orbit. This is critical for ensuring that even the most remote regions can access high-speed, reliable internet services.
This development could be particularly transformative for regions where existing network infrastructure is either absent or inadequate. Improved connectivity in these areas can open up new opportunities in various sectors, including education, healthcare, and commerce, fostering economic growth and societal development. It can also bridge the digital divide, ensuring that people in remote areas have the same access to information and services as those in urban centers.
Pioneering Aerospace Platform Integration
KT is not stopping at geostationary satellites; the company is also enhancing NTN technology for other aerospace platforms under the 3GPP 5G NTN standard. These platforms include medium-earth orbit (MEO) satellites, low-earth orbit (LEO) satellites, and high-altitude platform systems (HAPS). By developing these technologies, KT aims to create a more versatile and resilient network infrastructure capable of providing seamless connectivity irrespective of geographical constraints. The integration of these various platforms will enable broader and more reliable global network coverage, essential for the next generation of communication needs.
In collaboration with LG Electronics, KT is also pioneering 6G transmission and full-duplex communication technologies, which are part of the 5G-Advanced Release 18. These advancements promise to enhance spectrum efficiency, improving overall network performance and reliability. The focus on developing wideband full-duplex devices and frequencies earmarked for 6G further solidifies KT’s position as a leader in the telecom industry, driving the evolution of mobile communication technologies.
Strategic Partnerships and Future Implications
KT, a leading telecommunications company in South Korea, has reached a significant milestone by integrating the KOREASAT 6 geostationary satellite with terrestrial networks using the 5G non-terrestrial network (NTN) standard. This integration, executed at KT SAT’s Geumsan Satellite Center in coordination with technology partners Rohde & Schwarz Korea and Viavi Solutions Korea, marks the world’s first deployment of the 5G NTN standard with a geostationary satellite. This development promises to broaden 5G service coverage to remote and underserved regions that traditional networks struggle to reach.
Taehoon Kim, CEO of Rohde & Schwarz Korea, highlights the NTN technology’s pivotal role in the future of telecommunications, serving as a foundational element for 5G and the upcoming 6G networks. Lee Jong-sik, Senior Vice President of KT’s Network Research Center, adds that 6G will push communication capabilities into 3D aerial spaces, heralding a new era of worldwide connectivity. These insights emphasize the vast potential and transformative impact of NTN technology on global communication networks, paving the way for enhanced connectivity.
