Starlink Service Starting in June, Amendment of the Radio Law Enforcement Decree
The era of high-speed satellite communication is approaching in earnest. The satellite internet service 'Starlink' provided by Elon Musk's SpaceX has a high chance of officially launching services in Korea starting in June.
The government has laid the legal groundwork for low-orbit satellite communication, which is expected to provide a significant turning point for the provision of high-speed wireless internet on ships, aircraft, and mountainous regions.
Amendment of the Radio Law Enforcement Decree... Opening the Path for Satellite Communication Services
On March 25, the government passed the amendment to the Radio Law Enforcement Decree, which main contents include 'the introduction of low-orbit satellite communication services and simplification of procedures for opening satellite communication terminals.' This amendment is scheduled to be officially proclaimed on April 1, providing a legal basis for satellite communication services similar to Starlink in Korea.
The key point of this amendment is the clarification of the previously ambiguous definition of 'mobile satellite communication terminals.' Antennas installed on various mobile units such as vehicles, ships, and aircraft will be recognized as 'broadband high-speed satellite communication earth stations,' allowing users to access services easily through satellite communication providers without complicated permit procedures. As a result, the previously complex opening process has been greatly simplified.
This change is expected to positively impact the activation of satellite communication services in Korea in the future.
Starlink Likely to Launch Domestic Services in June
The procedures for Starlink's entry into Korea are nearly complete. The remaining step is to receive approval from the Ministry of Science and ICT and conduct the terminal compatibility assessment. Industry insiders expect that all approval processes will be completed by May, and the service is expected to begin as early as June.
In addition, KT SAT is preparing to provide satellite communication services in the ship and aviation sectors in collaboration with Starlink Korea. Domestic mobile carriers are also starting to build related infrastructure in line with this, so it will be interesting to see how the satellite communication market will change in the future.
Starlink Internet Speed and Characteristics
Starlink is a system that provides ultra-fast internet globally through thousands of satellites deployed at an altitude of about 550 km above the Earth's surface. The download speeds experienced by actual users range from about 50 to 250 Mbps, upload speeds from 10 to 20 Mbps, and latency around 20 to 40 ms. Due to these characteristics, it has a faster response time than traditional geostationary satellites, allowing for smooth usage of gaming, video conferencing, and streaming services.
In particular, Starlink's low dependence on ground base stations enables it to provide stable high-speed internet in areas with inadequate existing communication infrastructure, such as islands, mountainous regions, and aviation. Furthermore, it is garnering attention as an important means to supplement communication networks even in situations where ground stations are damaged due to natural disasters. In this respect, Starlink is expected to contribute to solving communication issues in various environments.
Future Challenges and Expected Effects
There are some entry barriers for the initial use of Starlink. The purchase cost of basic antenna equipment is about 700,000 to 800,000 won, and the monthly usage fee is around 120,000 won. In this regard, it seems more suitable for specific demand groups rather than general households. However, as time goes on, with technological advancements and market maturation, there is potential for price reductions and wider adoption.
Furthermore, the government is planning to conduct a technology development project worth 320 billion won to build an independent low-orbit satellite communication infrastructure in the future. This will help to enhance the competitiveness of the domestic satellite communication industry in the long run and lay the foundation for entering the global market. If these plans are realized, the utilization of satellite communication is expected to increase significantly.
Starlink Opening New Horizons for Ultra-Fast Wireless Internet
The start of Starlink's service in Korea is expected to bring significant changes to the domestic communication environment, going beyond the mere introduction of new communication technologies.
Notably, it can provide internet services that overcome existing limitations in various sectors, including aircraft, ships, remote areas, and disaster sites.
This is expected to accelerate the shift towards a safer and more connected society.
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