Eutelsat OneWeb and Hanwha Systems sign distribution agreement for the delivery of satellite connectivity in South Korea

29 November 2023

Hanwha Systems has signed a distribution partnership agreement with Eutelsat OneWeb, part of Eutelsat Group, the world’s first GEO-LEO satellite operator, to provide high-speed, low latency connectivity services to South Korea.

Hanwha Systems is pursuing participation in the 'commercial low-orbit satellite-based communication system' project that secures a Korean government network using Eutelsat OneWeb’s satellite network and is also installing satellite communication terminals in remote areas where internet access is difficult, as well as at sea and in the air. Through Eutelsat OneWeb and Hanwha’s B2B satellite communication services customers will receive stable 'Space Internet' services 24 hours a day from low-orbit satellites.

Song Seong-chan, director of Hanwha Systems' Space Research Institute, said, "The 'Space Internet' service promoted by Hanwha Systems provides uninterrupted and smooth communication in emergency situations such as islands and mountainous regions with poor infrastructure, disasters, and times of war, and its usability value shines. We expect that construction of the government low-orbit communication network, which is being promoted as a priority project, will be completed as early as the end of next year before government roll out,” he said.

Cyril Dujardin, Co-General Manager of Eutelsat OneWeb, said “Adding Eutesat OneWeb’s high speed, low latency connectivity to Hanwha’s portfolio gives customers highly reliable internet access, regardless of location. This will allow them to provide local internet and communications services to areas currently with little or no connection, including for crucially important emergency services requirements. We look forward to working with Hanwha as they explore the potential for further use cases of our unique technology.”

Hanwha Systems announced plans to take steps to obtain approval for the government's landing right, which is the Korean cross-border provision of key telecommunications services. The satellite communication network’s frequencies and orbits are secured through international registration with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). When using an overseas satellite network, approval for landing right must be obtained from the Korean government to prevent national security threats.

Hanwha Systems completed registration as a communications business with the Ministry of Science and Technology last July and plans to submit a landing right agreement with Eutelsat Group at the end of this month.