KT SAT Combines Satellites for 6G

South Korean satellite communication services provider KT SAT is pushing a multi-orbit strategy for 6G connectivity, combining geostationary and lower-Earth orbit satellites in a hybrid infrastructure.

“The 6G standard will be impossible without a hybrid communication infrastructure, using terrestrial lines, geostationary satellites, mid- and low-Earth orbit satellites altogether,” KT SAT Chief Technology Officer Choi Kyung-il told reporters in a May briefing held at the KT SAT Kumsan Satellite Service Center south of the capital Seoul.

KT is a subsidiary of telecoms giant KT and has used five geostationary satellites, providing connectivity for 60% of the world’s landmass and some 1,700 vessels at sea.

“KT SAT aims to add more high-throughput satellites and at the same time satellites at the lower-Earth orbit, in order to achieve a level of connectivity that powers artificial intelligence and the internet of things,” said Choi.

The company says its multi-orbit strategy is the key to enhancing coverage to meet 6G requirements.

Geostationary Earth orbit satellites orbit at an altitude of some 36,000 kilometers at a speed that matches the Earth’s rotation, meaning that they stay in the same position above the Earth’s surface.

Lower-orbiting satellites need to move faster, or the Earth’s gravity will pull them out of orbit.

KT SAT plans to send up one more high-altitude satellite by as early as 2024 and is now looking for partnerships for its 6G strategy.  

“We are open to collaborating with low-Earth orbit satellite operators that are willing to take advantage of our satellite services that use geostationary satellites,” Choi said.

Choi added the company is already in talks with undisclosed partners about using low-Earth orbit satellites that could provide global coverage.

Image credit: iStockphoto/ABIDAL