South Korea Approves Launch of Starlink Internet Services

South Korea’s Ministry of Science and ICT has approved the launch of satellite internet services by SpaceX’s Starlink and the UK’s OneWeb. This decision allows both companies to operate in the country through partnerships with local entities. Starlink has established a subsidiary named Starlink Korea, while OneWeb has signed agreements with Hanwha Systems Co. and KT Sat.

Key Points:

• Service Launch Timeline: The ministry indicated that services could commence as early as June or later this year.
• Regulatory Compliance: Under South Korean law, foreign companies must partner with domestic telecommunications operators to offer communication services. This ensures compliance with local regulations and facilitates the integration of services into the national infrastructure.
• Technological Impact: The introduction of low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite internet services is expected to enhance connectivity, particularly in remote or underserved areas, and could benefit sectors such as maritime and aviation.

This development marks a significant step in expanding high-speed internet access across South Korea, leveraging advanced satellite technology to complement existing terrestrial networks.

For more details, read the full article on Anadolu Agency: South Korea approves launch of Starlink internet services.