[Alpha Biz=(Chicago) Reporter Kim Jisun] SpaceX's StarLink, which provides satellite communication services to more than 40 countries around the world, said it is reviewing the launch of a general consumer (B2C) satellite communication service in Korea. The Ministry of Science and ICT is also in the process of granting business licenses to enter the country.

Starlink made the announcement at the 12th consecutive meeting of national strategic technology experts held under the theme of "Next Generation Communication - Low Orbit Satellite for Communication" at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, on the 14th.

The meeting was attended by the Ministry of Science and ICT and Starlink, the Korea Institute of Information and Communication Planning and Planning, the Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute, the Korea Aerospace Research Institute, Hanwha Systems, SK Telink, KT Sat and Intelligent Technologies.

"Low orbit satellite communication is drawing attention in the global market as a means of communication that can replace a ground network due to difficulties in establishing a ground network or due to natural disasters or war," said Kim Yeon-jin, head of the radio management division at the Ministry of Science and ICT, who first made the announcement. "In Korea, we have limitations in entering the market because more than 70% of our investment in the space sector is concentrated on projectiles and observation satellites."

Manager Kim stressed that at a time when the low orbit satellite communication market blooms, the independence of core technologies should be achieved quickly in order to prevent the domestic market from being dependent on foreign equipment and services and to advance into global markets. He added that the satellite communication industry should be developed for the growth of new industries such as UAM (City Air Transport).

 

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