Korean satellite communications operator KT Sat and Japanese satellite services provider Sky Perfect JSat have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to develop and test 5G non-terrestrial network (NTN) technologies and prepare for future commercialisation of GEO-based 5G NTN services.

Through this MoU, both companies aim to advance the technical validation of GEO-based NTN ground and user equipment, with the goal of establishing a reference architecture for GEO transparent 5G NTN operations using Ka and Ku-band frequencies. The collaboration seeks to promote open-standard interoperability and strengthen engagement with global technology vendors.

The collaboration will focus on practical and coordinated research activities to validate 5G NTN performance under real GEO satellite operational environments. This includes conducting joint tests using shared 5G NTN testbeds, defining reference architectures for gNB/5GC (ground) and user equipment (UE) systems that comply with 3GPP standards, and exchanging results and parameters to improve technical alignment. In carrying out this research and development, Sky Perfect JSat also plans to use the Universal NTN Innovation Lab established by the company.

Additionally, the two companies plan to explore interoperability and roaming capabilities between their respective GEO satellite networks and aim to evolve this 5G NTN partnership into a global NTN alliance, expanding collaboration with international satellite operators and ecosystem partners to accelerate 5G NTN commercialisation.

By establishing a global 5G NTN ecosystem through open standard interoperability, this partnership aims to create mutual benefits for end users and satellite operators. The expanded ecosystem should drive economies of scale in terminal production, making 5G NTN terminals more affordable and accessible to a broader range of users worldwide. This collaboration will also strengthen mutual resilience and disaster preparedness capabilities, enabling both companies to provide communication during emergencies and natural disasters, ensuring uninterrupted connectivity.

“This partnership represents a key milestone for GEO-based NTN development,” said Youngsoo Peter Seo, CEO of KT Sat (www.ktsat.com). “Building on the achievements of this joint collaboration, KT Sat will actively explore the commercialisation of NTN-based ground and terminal systems, with the goal of enhancing the competitiveness of its next-generation GEO satellite in the global market.”

Eiichi Yonekura, CEO of Sky Perfect JSat (www.skyperfectjsat.space), added: “We believe that this initiative will bring us closer to realising our goal of a world that connects anytime, anywhere. By leveraging the technologies and expertise both companies have cultivated, we will promote the development of a seamless 5G NTN ecosystem that bridges space and terrestrial networks.”

This announcement was made during this week’s Mobile Korea (www.mobilekorea.org) in Seoul.