Broadband/Connectivity/Telcos News

Hanwha Systems ties with Eutelsat OneWeb for connectivity services

Through Eutelsat OneWeb and Hanwha’s B2B satellite communication services, customers will receive stable ‘Space Internet’ services from low-orbit satellites.
Photo credit: Eutelsat OneWeb

Hanwha Systems has inked a distribution partnership agreement with Eutelsat OneWeb, a subsidiary of Eutelsat Group, to deliver high-speed, low-latency connectivity services to South Korea.

As part of its involvement in the ‘commercial low-orbit satellite-based communication system’ project, Hanwha Systems aims to establish a Korean government network utilising Eutelsat OneWeb’s satellite infrastructure. The initiative also involves deploying satellite communication terminals in challenging-to-reach areas such as remote regions with limited internet access, maritime environments, and airborne platforms. By leveraging Eutelsat OneWeb and Hanwha’s B2B satellite communication services, customers will have access to stable ‘Space Internet’ services 24/7 through low-orbit satellites.

Commenting on the deal, Song Seong-chan, director of Hanwha Systems’ Space Research Institute, said: “The ‘Space Internet’ service promoted by Hanwha Systems provides uninterrupted and smooth communication in emergency situations such as islands and mountainous regions with poor infrastructure, disasters, and times of war, and its usability value shines. We expect that construction of the government low-orbit communication network, which is being promoted as a priority project, will be completed as early as the end of next year before government roll out.”

Cyril Dujardin, Co-General Manager of Eutelsat OneWeb, added: “Adding Eutesat OneWeb’s high speed, low latency connectivity to Hanwha’s portfolio gives customers highly reliable internet access, regardless of location. This will allow them to provide local internet and communications services to areas currently with little or no connection, including for crucially important emergency services requirements. We look forward to working with Hanwha as they explore the potential for further use cases of our unique technology.”

Hanwha Systems intends to secure government approval for the landing right, a critical step for the cross-border provision of key telecommunications services in Korea. The frequencies and orbits of the satellite communication network are secured through international registration with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). When utilising an overseas satellite network, obtaining landing rights approval from the Korean government is crucial to mitigate potential national security threats.

Having completed registration as a communications business with the Ministry of Science and Technology in July, Hanwha Systems plans to submit a landing right agreement with Eutelsat Group by the end of this month.