The Ministry of Science and ICT (Minister Yoo Sang-im, hereinafter referred to as “MSIT”) announced on Friday, May 30, that it has approved three cross-border supply agreements for the provision of low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite communication services in Korea. These include one agreement between Starlink Korea (CEO Lauren Ashley Dreyer) and SpaceX, and two separate agreements—one between Hanwha Systems (CEO Son Jae-il) and OneWeb, and another between KT SAT (CEO Seo Young-soo) and OneWeb.

Under the Telecommunications Business Act, foreign operators such as SpaceX and OneWeb are not permitted to directly offer telecommunications services within Korea. To do so, they must partner with a domestic facilities-based telecommunications service provider, which must enter into a cross-border supply agreement with the foreign entity and obtain approval from the Minister of Science and ICT.

In line with this requirement, SpaceX established its Korean subsidiary, Starlink Korea, in 2023. After completing its registration as a domestic facilities-based telecommunications service provider, Starlink Korea submitted its cross-border supply agreement with SpaceX for ministerial approval. Similarly, Hanwha Systems and KT SAT—both registered domestic carriers—submitted their respective agreements with OneWeb for approval.

MSIT conducted a comprehensive review of the three agreements, assessing factors such as the feasibility of stable service delivery, the potential impact on the domestic telecommunications market, and the adequacy of user protection measures. Based on this evaluation, all three cross-border supply agreements were approved.

Subsequently, in accordance with the Radio Waves Act, conformity assessments will be carried out for user terminals (antennas) that will be used to access these services.

For further information, please contact the Public Relations Division (Phone: +82-44-202-4034, E-mail: msitmedia@korea.kr) of the Ministry of Science and ICT.


※ Please refer to the attached files.