▲ Chung Gu Kang, the executive director of the Satellite Communication Forum and a professor at Korea University School of Electrical Engineering, delivered a keynote speech at the '3rd Satellite Radio and Communication Technology Conference' held at COEX in Seoul on the 20th. 

Chung Gu Kang, the executive director of the Satellite Communication Forum and a professor at Korea University School of Electrical Engineering emphasized that the three major Korean mobile carriers should leverage low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite internet services, set to launch in Korea next year, to enhance their competitiveness.

He also stressed the importance of building an independent satellite network, rather than relying solely on Starlink's satellite network.

In his keynote titled 'Next-Generation Network Completed by Low Earth Orbit Satellite Communication,' Professor Kang pointed out the unique opportunities and challenges presented by LEO satellites, which orbit at altitudes between 300 and 1,500 km, much closer than geostationary satellites at 36,000 km. This proximity allows LEO satellites to offer high-speed communications with minimal latency.

Professor Kang highlighted that Starlink, which is set to begin operations in Korea next year, presents both opportunities and threats for existing telecom operators. The threats include potential customer loss for some mobile services due to Starlink's ubiquitous connectivity, the reduced cost of network construction leading to lower fees, and the overwhelming technological advantages that could make operators dependent on Starlink's dominance.

However, he also outlined opportunities such as expanding revenue through hybrid services combining terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks, using satellite networks as backup for terrestrial network outages, providing non-terrestrial services for urban air mobility (UAM) and aircraft, enhancing Korea's defense industry by integrating communication, navigation, and control functions for unmanned and autonomous weapon systems, among others.

Professor Kang stated, "One of the biggest challenges with 5G was the high investment costs. Given our experience with 5G, we could potentially secure economic viability for 6G through satellites. Telecom operators are likely to explore this." He added that the three major telecom companies have already established strategic partnerships with Starlink.

"If we do nothing, we will be dependent on Starlink or other foreign operators," he warned. "We need to build our own independent network."

Professor Kang proposed developing an independent 6G satellite network (K-Constellation). Citing the 'SpaceRISE' consortium recently formed by the European Union, he emphasized the need for a strategy involving alliances for joint investment, network construction, operation, and utilization.

SpaceRISE plans to invest approximately 9 trillion KRW over 12 years to begin providing services with the IRIS² satellite constellation by 2030.

Professor Kang also noted that the preliminary feasibility study passed in May for the LEO satellite communication technology development project could be the starting point for Korea's advancement in satellite communication technolog