ESA is continuing its commitment to strengthening international cooperation by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in the area of 5G/6G communications with the Satcom Forum of South Korea, a group of 41 leading Korean companies including LG, Intellian and KT SAT. The announcement took place at Mobile Korea 2024 on 28 October 2024 in Seoul in front of a local audience of large organisations within the telecommunications sector.
This signing demonstrates a blossoming relationship between ESA and South Korea where there is an already rich history of collaboration from ESA’s Space for 5G/6G & Sustainable Connectivity programme line, such as through contributions to the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) and with the Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI).
As a pioneer in 6G, Korea represents an important partner for Europe in terrestrial and non-terrestrial telecommunications. The Satcom Forum is made up of four separate committees, the forum works to drive Korea as a 6G satellite communication technology powerhouse, in collaboration with other global players in the 5G/6G arena. This showcases a mutually beneficial relationship, with Europe able to complement this expertise with its mature space industry.
The Korean market represents an opportunity for ESA Member States and Korean players in the case of 5G/6G. Despite being one of the most connected countries in the world, South Korea is actively looking at satcom as we move towards 6G. Therefore, satcom is being seen as enabling for future 6G applications such as urban air mobility (UAM), autonomous vehicles, and space-air-ground-maritime networks.
The MoU will grow capabilities through the sharing best practices and assisting technological developments, based against the backdrop of a strong Korean consumer electronics and automotive industry, naturally complementing 5G/6G satellite technologies. Additionally, ESAs recently launched Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) Forum has seen a growing number of Korean organisations join, showcasing the growing collaboration even further.
“ESA is proud to be strengthening its collaborative relationship with South Korea, through this MoU signing with the Satcom Forum of South Korea,” said Laurent Jaffart, ESA’s Director of Connectivity and Secure Communications. “6G will be the next generation of connectivity that enhances our societies and economies, we’re looking forward to moving into this generation with strong partners such as today’s signing shows.”
“This partnership showcases ESA as a key international player in enhancing Europe’s role in satellite communication and driving European capabilities and technologies into new markets,” said Antonio Franchi, Head of Space for 5G/6G and Sustainable Connectivity programme line. “We’re proud to be enhancing our international partnerships with such a leading and technologically advanced nation, we look forward to growing our collaboration with the Satcom Forum of South Korea and with the wider ecosystem.”
"This MoU with the Satcom Forum of South Korea demonstrates ESA's commitment to expanding Europe's technological leadership as an international partner," said Fabrizio De Paolis, ESA's 5G/6G Implementation Manager.
"Founded in 2019, Korea's Satcom Forum has played a key role in fostering technology exchange among industry, research institutions, and academia to prepare for the satellite communication advancements of the 6G era. Global cooperation in developing standard specifications and regulations is essential on this journey, and this MoU will serve as the significant starting point for such collaboration. We also believe that this partnership will serve as a major driving force in expanding the global alliance to jointly build and operate LEO-based 6G satellite networks among various nations. We are excited about the collaborative opportunities this partnership will open for the future of satellite communications," said Chung G. Kang Executive Committee Chairperson of Satcom Forum.
"I would like to extend my congratulations on the MoU between the Satcom Forum and ESA. ESA, a leader in low-orbit satellite communications, has maintained a long-standing partnership with ETRI, and I am confident that this collaboration in the innovative field of satellite communications will be instrumental in advancing the technology and capabilities of the space industry. By working together to share and develop new technologies and ideas, I believe we can shape the future of satellite communications," said Moon-Sik Lee, Assistant VP, Satellite Communication Research Division at ETRI.
The Space for 5G/6G & Sustainable Connectivity strategic programme line, which forms part of ESA’s Advanced Research in Telecommunications Systems (ARTES) programme led by the Connectivity and Secure Communications directorate, aims to advance and promote European 5G and 6G technologies, through the integration of satellite and ground networks, supporting smart mobility, global coverage, security and network resilience for various industries and applications, including telemedicine, tele-education, and autonomous vehicles, airplanes and ships.
