KT joins hands with KAI for 6G, low-Earth orbit satellite ventures

(from right) KT CEO Kim Young-shub, KAI CEO Kang Goo-young, and KT SAT CEO Seo Young-soo pose for a commemorative photo after signing a business agreement at KT Gwanghwamun Building East in Jongno-gu, Seoul, on October 31. (KT)

KT Corp. announced a strategic partnership with KT SAT and Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) on Sunday to advance 6G technology and low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite initiatives. This collaboration aims to develop core technologies for communication satellite systems and foster a supportive ecosystem. The three companies plan to jointly pursue domestic and international projects, including the deployment of 6G LEO communication satellites and the establishment of integrated manned and unmanned systems.

LEO satellites, orbiting at altitudes between 500 and 1,200 kilometers, offer reduced data transmission latency compared to geostationary satellites positioned at about 35,800 kilometers. This proximity enables faster communication services, making LEO satellites advantageous for high-speed data transmission. Currently, global corporations with substantial financial and technological resources, such as SpaceX and Amazon’s Project Kuiper, dominate the LEO satellite industry.

Through this agreement, KT intends to develop key technologies that seamlessly integrate LEO satellite communication systems with terrestrial wireless networks, enhancing the efficiency and reach of next-generation communication services.