The South Korean telecommunications giant, KT, and its satellite subsidiary, KT SAT, have made strides in extending 5G connectivity by integrating KOREASAT 6 with terrestrial networks using the 5G non-terrestrial network (NTN) standard. As reported in the Korean press, these developments represent a global first in applying the 5G NTN standard to a geostationary satellite.
The companies successfully conducted their trials at KT SAT’s Geumsan Satellite Center, in collaboration with technology partners, Rohde & Schwarz Korea and Viavi Solutions Korea. This pioneering achievement signifies the potential to expand 5G services to remote and underserved areas, which traditional networks often cannot reach.
Taehoon Kim, CEO of Rohde & Schwarz Korea, highlighted the importance of NTN technology, describing it as “one of the core technologies of 5G and future 6G.” This technology enables network expansion beyond terrestrial limits. Additionally, Lee Jong-sik, SVP of KT’s Network Research Center, emphasized that in the 6G era, communication will extend into the 3D aerial domain, supporting ubiquitous communication.
The development of NTN technology is essential in broadening the reach of 5G, especially in challenging terrains like mountainous regions or beyond traditional network infrastructure. Furthermore, KT demonstrated its ability to mitigate signal delays caused by the satellite’s 35,800-kilometer orbit, showcasing the feasibility of satellite-based 5G communications.
KT is committed to enhancing NTN technology for aerospace platforms that comply with the 3GPP 5G NTN standard. These platforms include medium-earth orbit (MEO) satellites, low-earth orbit (LEO) satellites, and high-altitude platform systems (HAPS).
In collaboration with LG Electronics, KT is also working on developing 6G transmission and full-duplex communication technologies. Full-duplex, part of the 5G-Advanced Release 18, promises increased spectrum efficiency by allowing data transmission and reception simultaneously over a single frequency. KT and LG are also focusing on wideband full-duplex devices and frequencies considered for 6G.
Jong-sik, executive director of the KT Network Research Institute, expressed KT’s ambition to lead in 6G mobile communication technology development and global standardization. The company aims to secure innovative network technologies that offer differentiated services.
In June, KT also announced its 6G research partnership with Nokia. The collaboration focuses on advanced Open RAN technology and ultra-wideband wireless access technology for 6G, reinforcing KT’s position in setting standards and commercializing 6G technologies globally.
