SpaceX and OneWeb's domestic low Earth orbit satellite communication services are about to begin.
The Ministry of Science and ICT announced that it approved the cross-border supply agreement signed by Starlink Korea with SpaceX on the 30th. It also approved the cross-border supply agreements signed by Hanwha System and KT SAT with Eutelsat OneWeb.
These corporations can provide low Earth orbit satellite communication services in Korea once they pass the suitability evaluation for user antennas (terminals). The Ministry of Science and ICT plans to test whether the terminals used for each operator's service are suitable for domestic services in cooperation with the National Radio Research Agency.
According to the Telecommunications Business Act, overseas operators such as SpaceX or OneWeb cannot provide communication services directly in Korea. To provide services, domestic major telecommunications operators must sign a cross-border supply agreement with the overseas operator and receive approval from the Minister of Science and ICT.
Accordingly, SpaceX established Starlink Korea in Korea. Starlink Korea has completed the registration as a domestic telecommunications operator and applied for approval of the agreement signed with SpaceX. OneWeb also signed an agreement with domestic telecommunications operators Hanwha System and KT SAT and requested the Ministry of Science and ICT to approve it.
The Ministry of Science and ICT reviewed factors such as 'the possibility of stable service provision' and 'the impact on competition in the domestic communication market.' It approved all cross-border supply agreements considering user protection and other factors.
An official from the Ministry of Science and ICT noted, 'The licensing process for the domestic operation of SpaceX and OneWeb has been completed,' adding, 'Services can start depending on each operator's situation after passing the suitability evaluation.'