Hanwha turns to Eutelsat OneWeb andfor of satellite connectivity in South Korea

Hanwha turns to Eutelsat OneWeb andfor of satellite connectivity in South Korea
by Simon Mansfield
Sydney, Australia (SPX) Dec 01, 2023

Hanwha Systems, a major South Korean technology conglomerate, has recently entered into a distribution partnership agreement with Eutelsat OneWeb, part of the renowned Eutelsat Group and the world's first GEO-LEO satellite operator. This strategic collaboration aims to offer high-speed, low latency connectivity services across South Korea, signaling a significant advancement in the nation's communication infrastructure. The move by Hanwha Systems to partner with Eutelsat OneWeb aligns with its ongoing efforts to participate in South Korea's 'commercial low-orbit satellite-based communication system' project. This initiative, crucial for securing a Korean government network, will leverage Eutelsat OneWeb's satellite network. Moreover, Hanwha Systems is also focusing on installing satellite communication terminals in remote areas where internet access is currently challenging, as well as providing connectivity at sea and in the air. This will facilitate the provision of stable 'Space Internet' services 24 hours a day, utilizing the capabilities of low-orbit satellites.

Song Seong-chan, director of Hanwha Systems' Space Research Institute, emphasized the significance of this partnership. "The 'Space Internet' service promoted by Hanwha Systems provides uninterrupted and smooth communication in emergency situations such as in islands and mountainous regions with poor infrastructure, in times of disasters, and during war. Its usability value is particularly notable. We are optimistic that the construction of the government low-orbit communication network, which is being promoted as a priority project, will be completed by the end of next year before government rollout," he stated.

Cyril Dujardin, Co-General Manager of Eutelsat OneWeb, highlighted the benefits of this collaboration. "Adding Eutelsat OneWeb's high-speed, low latency connectivity to Hanwha's portfolio enables the provision of highly reliable internet access regardless of location. This will significantly aid in delivering local internet and communications services to areas currently with limited or no connection, including essential emergency services requirements. We are excited about working with Hanwha as they explore further potential use cases of our unique technology," Dujardin remarked.

A critical step for Hanwha Systems in this venture is to secure approval for the government's landing right in South Korea. This is essential for the cross-border provision of key telecommunications services. The satellite communication network's frequencies and orbits have already been secured through international registration with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). In order to utilize an overseas satellite network like Eutelsat OneWeb's, obtaining landing right approval from the Korean government is mandatory to ensure there are no national security threats.

Completing its registration as a communications business with the Ministry of Science and Technology in July last year, Hanwha Systems is now poised to submit a landing right agreement with the Eutelsat Group at the end of this month. This step is pivotal in legalizing and securing the operations of their satellite communication services within South Korean territory.