SK Telecom SKtelink Launches Satellite Communication Service for Ultra-Small Vessels

SK Telink announced on the 19th that it has launched the satellite communication service (VSAT) using a 45cm ultra-compact satellite antenna for the first time in Asia.

The ultra-compact VSAT service is a maritime satellite communication service optimized for small vessels, providing high-bandwidth data services with up to 6Mbps downlink and 2Mbps uplink speeds using a compact 45cm antenna. This allows users on ships to enjoy messenger services, internet calls, SNS, OTT, games, and more.

In the case of conventional satellite antennas, the reflector diameter reaches 100cm and the weight is 110kg, requiring cranes to lift and move them when installed on actual ships, and occupying a large space on board, making it difficult for small vessels to use satellite services.

To meet these customer demands, SK Telink collaborated with the satellite antenna specialist company ‘Intellian Tech’ and the global satellite operator ‘Intelsat’ to plan and launch a new satellite communication service using a 45cm ultra-compact satellite antenna for the first time in Asia.

‘Intellian Tech’s V45C antenna is a lightweight system weighing 25kg with a 45cm size, which can be carried by a person and occupies minimal space. Especially, due to its light weight, it can maintain the ship’s center of gravity stably after installation, enabling satellite communication services optimized for all small vessels including coastal fishing boats, fishing vessels, and leisure boats.

Also, as the size of the satellite antenna decreases, the satellite signal tends to become unstable or weak, but by collaborating with the global satellite operator ‘Intelsat’ to optimize satellite frequencies, they succeeded in enhancing service stability and quality.

Lee Sin-yong, head of SK Telink’s satellite business division, said, "We have launched an ultra-compact VSAT service that does not burden ships so that small vessels located in blind spots beyond the coverage of existing terrestrial mobile communication networks can also reliably use high-quality satellite communication services." He added, "By continuously developing and rapidly introducing satellite services that customers need, we will actively pioneer new satellite markets not only in Korea but also in Asia."

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