Will Musk's Starlink Service Launch in South Korea This Year?
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Synopsis
Exciting news as Starlink, the satellite internet service by SpaceX, gears up for a launch in South Korea this year! With recent legislative changes paving the way, residents could soon experience high-speed internet access, particularly in remote areas. Find out how this development could transform connectivity in the maritime sector and beyond.
Key Takeaways
- Starlink is set to launch in South Korea this year.
- Recent regulatory changes have facilitated this launch.
- Starlink's service will enhance internet access in underserved areas.
- LEO satellites offer high-speed, low-latency communications.
- The South Korean government is investing in domestic satellite technology.
Seoul, April 27 (NationPress) The Starlink satellite internet service, developed by the US space company SpaceX, is anticipated to be launched in South Korea this year, following a recent update to the Radio Waves Act, as reported by the science ministry on Sunday.
In May 2023, Starlink Korea LLC sought approval for a cross-border supply agreement from the Ministry of Science and ICT to deliver its low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite internet services.
As per the ministry's statement, the government revised relevant regulations this month to facilitate the use of local frequencies by Starlink, owned by Elon Musk, according to a report from Yonhap news agency.
Kim Nam-cheol, director general of the ministry's radio policy bureau, mentioned in a recent briefing that Starlink Korea has submitted its business plans for review, and the Telecommunications Policy Bureau is assessing their business feasibility.
Regarding the expected launch date, Kim indicated that services might commence as early as June or later this year.
Additionally, OneWeb, a competing British firm, is also exploring prospects for providing its LEO satellite internet services in South Korea, known as Asia's fourth-largest economy.
Starlink offers high-speed, low-latency internet globally through a constellation of low Earth orbit satellites.
According to South Korean laws, foreign companies must establish a supply agreement with a local telecommunications operator to introduce their communication network services.
If implemented, LEO satellite communication services will allow high-speed internet access in areas with traditionally poor connectivity and on ships and aircraft, where slow satellite internet is prevalent, as stated by the ministry in a press release.
“The maritime sector will particularly benefit from this. Crews on long-haul journeys will gain access to over-the-top (OTT) media services and video calls, significantly enhancing welfare and communication options for seafarers,” the statement read.
To stay competitive, South Korea announced plans last year to launch two locally developed LEO satellites using sixth-generation (6G) communications technology by 2030.
LEO satellites, which orbit between 300 and 1,500 kilometers above Earth, can provide high-speed, low-latency communications due to their proximity compared to geostationary orbit satellites.
Recently, the government designated the Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI), telecommunications equipment manufacturer SOLiD, and Korea Aerospace Industries Co. (KAI), the nation's sole aircraft manufacturer, as key players in developing a domestic 6G-based LEO satellite communications system.
“We aim to launch two domestically developed LEO satellites using the homegrown space rocket Nuri by 2030,” Kim stated.
The government plans to allocate a total of 320 billion won (approximately US$234 million) over six years through 2030 for this development project, anticipating that the global LEO satellite internet service market will grow to 740 trillion won by 2040.
Point of View
The introduction of SpaceX's Starlink service in South Korea signifies a vital step toward improved connectivity, especially in underserved regions. This initiative not only addresses the digital divide but also aligns with the country's ambitions to develop its own LEO satellite capabilities by 2030, ensuring that South Korea remains at the forefront of global technological advancements.
NationPress
22/05/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
When will Starlink launch in South Korea?
Starlink is expected to launch in South Korea as early as June 2023, pending regulatory approvals.
How does Starlink improve internet access?
Starlink provides high-speed, low-latency internet through a network of low Earth orbit satellites, particularly benefiting areas with poor connectivity.
What are the regulations for foreign satellite services in South Korea?
Foreign companies must sign a supply agreement with a local telecommunications operator to introduce their services in South Korea.
What is the significance of LEO satellites?
LEO satellites orbit closer to Earth, enabling faster communications and better internet services compared to traditional geostationary satellites.
What investments is the South Korean government making in satellite technology?
The South Korean government plans to invest 320 billion won (approximately US$234 million) in developing its own LEO satellite communications system by 2030.
