South Korea Greenlights Low-Earth Orbit Satellite Internet as Global Space Race Accelerates
SpaceX's Starlink and Eutelsat OneWeb secure regulatory approval to operate in South Korea, marking the country's entry into next-generation satellite communications while pursuing its own 6G constellation by 2030
South Korea has officially approved three cross-border agreements allowing SpaceX's Starlink and Eutelsat OneWeb to begin offering low-Earth orbit satellite internet services as early as June 2025, disrupting the country's telecommunications landscape while the nation races to develop its own 6G satellite constellation by 2030.
South Korea has taken a pivotal step toward the future of global communications by approving regulatory clearance for SpaceX's Starlink and Eutelsat's OneWeb to operate low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite internet services, marking a significant shift in both the country's telecommunications market and the broader international space competition.
The Ministry of Science and ICT announced Friday that it approved three cross-border supply agreements: one between SpaceX and Starlink Korea, and two between domestic operators Hanwha Systems and KT Sat with Eutelsat OneWeb. This regulatory approval comes after the updated Radio Waves Act was approved in a cabinet meeting in March, allowing Starlink and OneWeb to use local frequencies and simplifying procedures for establishing satellite communication terminals.
Under Korean law, foreign telecommunications companies are prohibited from offering services directly to end-users without such agreements in place with local license holders. To comply with these regulations, SpaceX established Starlink Korea as a local subsidiary in 2023, strategically positioning itself for commercial deployment.
Services could launch next month after final equipment certification is completed. Starlink Korea has been registered as a telecommunications business since 2023, positioning the company for rapid deployment once approvals are finalized.
LEO satellites operate between 300-1,500 kilometers above Earth, much closer than traditional geostationary satellites at 36,000 kilometers. This proximity enables faster communications with lower latency, making them ideal for emerging technologies.
The technology will transform several sectors:
Maritime and Aviation: Minister Yoo Sang-im noted that the services will bring "high-speed wifi networks to airplanes and vessels," significantly improving connectivity for long-distance travel.
Emergency Communications: The Ukraine conflict demonstrated LEO satellites' strategic value, where Starlink provided critical communications after traditional infrastructure was destroyed.
6G Infrastructure: These satellite networks form the backbone for autonomous vehicles, smart cities, and other next-generation technologies South Korea aims to lead.
The arrival of satellite internet marks a shift in South Korea's telecommunications market, long dominated by SK Telecom, KT, and LG Uplus. These new satellite services will initially target specialized sectors like maritime, aviation, and emergency communications where traditional networks face limitations.
Industry experts expect the satellite networks could eventually compete with terrestrial cellular services in certain applications, particularly through direct-to-cell and inter-satellite laser technologies that reduce costs and latency.
South Korea is simultaneously developing its own satellite capabilities. The government allocated 320 billion won ($234 million) for a six-year project to launch two 6G-based satellites and establish a pilot network by 2030.
Korea Aerospace Industries will lead the satellite development project, working alongside the Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute and Solid Co. to create a complete domestic satellite ecosystem.
Key milestones include:
- 2026: Pre-6G technology demonstration
- 2027: First LEO satellite test launch
- 2030: Full deployment of two 6G satellites
"We wish to boost the country's digital and space economy by strengthening our competitiveness in satellite communications," said Ryu Je-myung, head of the science ministry's network policy department.
The approval occurs amid intense global competition in satellite internet. As of late May 2025, there are currently 7,578 Starlink satellites in orbit, of which 7,556 are working, according to astronomer Jonathan McDowell who tracks the constellation. Starlink serves approximately 5 million customers in over 100 countries.
China has launched its first GuoWang satellites, targeting nearly 13,000 satellites by 2030 for global coverage. The EU announced $10.5 billion in funding for its Iris2 program, planning 290 satellites that will provide coverage equivalent to 1,000 satellites through advanced orbital positioning.
The regulatory approval reflects South Korea's strategy to balance immediate connectivity needs with long-term technological independence. While satellite networks offer enhanced connectivity, they also raise concerns about relying on foreign infrastructure for critical communications.
South Korea acknowledges the challenge of competing with established players who dominate the market with proprietary technologies. However, officials believe the timing is right for domestic companies to prepare for the 6G satellite market, given the typical five-year development timeline for satellite systems.
South Korea's regulatory approval marks the beginning of a new era in satellite internet access. With commercial services potentially launching next month, the country joins the global race for space-based connectivity while building its own technological capabilities for the 6G era.
This dual approach positions South Korea to benefit from immediate connectivity improvements while developing sovereignty in critical satellite infrastructure for the future.
This article incorporates the latest developments in South Korea's satellite communications sector and the global competitive landscape as of June 2025.
