SpaceX may partner with KT SAT for Starlink satellite internet service in South Korea

SpaceX recently set up its Korean subsidiary to manage its Starlink internet service that will soon be available in the country. Elon Musk’s company is still in the process of establishing its business, and it was reported that it might team up with the satellite service operator of KT Corp., the KT SAT, to launch Starlink.

According to The Korea Economic Daily, KT SAT is currently in talks with SpaceX regarding the Starlink service, which is set to be launched before the second half of this year. Sources further shared earlier this week that in January, SpaceX submitted its business registration application with the local government so it could operate in Korea.

The spacecraft manufacturer and satellite communications company inaugurated its Korean unit on March 8, and it has been named Starlink Korea LLC. Now, as KT SAT is operating its own geostationary satellites called the Mugunghwa for satellite communication services, it is reportedly being eyed by SpaceX for a partnership.

KT SAT offers services that are mostly used by government agencies, offshore facilities, the military, broadcasters, and ships so tapping it for cooperation with Starlink satellite internet service is a good decision. Through the partnership, SpaceX’s business operation has a higher chance of going smoothly in the domestic market.

Meanwhile, Hankyung News via News Directory reported that KT SAT is still reviewing the proposed deal with Starlink to determine if it will agree to it or not. SpaceX’s registration is also in progress at the Ministry of Science and ICT.

“The start of the Starlink service depends on how quickly the registration documents are completed,” an official from the ministry said. “Once all the papers are done, it usually takes about a month to review and approve them.”

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