Starlink Enters Korea… KT SAT "Strengthening Response to Satellite Communication Interference"

Kim Ki-young, Head of GNOC Team at KT SAT. [Photo by KT SAT]

[Asia Economy Reporter Oh Su-yeon] As overseas satellite communication operators such as SpaceX are expected to enter the domestic market this year, it is anticipated that satellite communication interference and jamming incidents will increase. KT SAT is strengthening its satellite signal monitoring activities to enhance space sovereignty.

On the 16th, KT SAT held a press study session and announced these plans regarding satellite signal monitoring activities.

Kim Ki-young, head of the GNOC team at KT SAT, stated, "With the advent of the New Space era (private-led space development), not only geostationary orbit satellites but also multi-orbit and low Earth orbit satellites are increasing. Currently, about 500 geostationary orbit communication satellites are in operation, but if all plans registered with the ITU are combined, the number could increase up to 100,000."

If interference or jamming occurs in radio frequency resources, communication quality deteriorates. For example, satellite broadcast screens may break up, internet connection speeds may slow down, or games may lag. Since satellite communication services are mainly used in communication shadow areas, they are the only means of communication for customers. Especially among KT SAT’s customers are the military, government agencies, and broadcasting stations, so if communication quality deteriorates due to interference, critical problems may arise.

With the opening of the New Space era, the importance of satellite signal monitoring activities has increased. Recently, as global private companies such as SpaceX and OneWeb compete in space business, they are rapidly launching numerous clustered satellites, including low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, into space. As the number of satellites increases sharply, communication disruptions caused by frequency interference between satellites are becoming more frequent.

The ITU has established international radio regulations that provide countermeasures in case of interference. Domestically, Article 29 of the Radio Waves Act stipulates that interference or jamming that obstructs or blocks others' use of radio waves must not occur.

However, in the New Space era, where the number of satellites is expected to explode, existing regulations are considered insufficient. Operators feel the need to establish a new monitoring system. At WIC 2023, to be held in Dubai at the end of this year, a proposal to create a separate consultative body dealing exclusively with interference issues is expected to be discussed.

In particular, concerns are growing as SpaceX recently registered as a domestic telecommunications operator and prepares to enter the Korean market. KT SAT plans to proactively prepare for the increase in interference caused by the entry of overseas companies.

Kim said, "We cannot rely solely on SpaceX’s goodwill to comply with all regulations domestically," adding, "There must be roles for government agencies and each operator." The Radio Monitoring Center is pushing to acquire systems for monitoring non-geostationary orbit satellites. KT SAT also plans to continue related research and development.

However, even if significant communication disruptions occur due to illegal signals in satellite communications, it is difficult to hold the responsible operators accountable or demand compensation.

Kim emphasized, "According to regulations, responsibility for communication disruptions is only recommended. If immediate action is not taken and lawsuits are pursued, customer damage continues in the meantime," urging, "Regulation as well as close mutual cooperation is necessary."

At the same time, KT SAT is advancing its satellite signal monitoring system. Kim explained, "Currently, KT SAT has about 11 personnel, monitoring in shifts of about two people 24 hours a day," adding, "If the number of satellites increases to 100,000, it will be impossible to handle this with manpower alone, so we need to develop automated algorithms and technologies to respond."

KT SAT is discovering next-generation technologies through research on interference avoidance technology for non-geostationary orbit (NGSO) satellites, network operation and satellite network monitoring methods in high-throughput satellite (HTS) networks, and system advancement by combining existing systems with big data and artificial intelligence (AI).

In preparation for the increasing demand for low Earth orbit satellite communications, KT SAT plans to establish a monitoring system capable of simultaneously tracking and monitoring numerous clustered satellites.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.