Hanwha Systems and Eutelsat OneWeb Sign Distribution Agreement for Delivery of Satellite Connectivity in South Korea

Hanwha Systems announced on November 24 that it has signed a distribution partnership agreement with Eutelsat OneWeb, part of Eutelsat Group and global leader in satellite communications, to provide high-speed, low latency connectivity services in South Korea.

Hanwha Systems is pursuing participation in a commercial low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite-based communication system project to secure a satellite network for the Korean government using Eutelsat OneWeb’s satellite network. The company is also installing satellite communication terminals in remote areas as well as at sea and in the air. Through Eutelsat OneWeb and Hanwha’s business-to-business (B2B) satellite communication services, customers will receive stable space internet connectivity 24 hours a day from LEO satellites.

"The space internet service promoted by Hanwha Systems provides smooth, uninterrupted communication,” said Seong-Chan Song, Director of Hanwha Systems’ Space R&D Center. “The network’s usability value shines in emergency situations, such as disasters and times of war, as well as in areas with poor infrastructure, including islands and mountainous regions.”

“Adding Eutelsat 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,” said Cyril Dujardin, Co-General Manager of Eutelsat OneWeb. “We look forward to working with Hanwha as they explore the potential for further use cases of our unique technology.”

Hanwha Systems expects to complete the construction of the government LEO communication network, which is being promoted as a priority project, as early as the end of 2024. The company announced plans to obtain approval for the government's landing rights and submit the subsequent agreement with Eutelsat at the end of this month.

Approval for landing rights, the country’s cross-border provision of key telecommunications services, must be obtained from the Korean government to prevent national security threats when using an overseas satellite network. The satellite communication network’s frequencies and orbits are secured through international registration with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).

Hanwha Systems completed registration as a communications business with Korea’s Ministry of Science and Technology last July.

Eutelsat OneWeb is delivering connectivity and broadcast services worldwide through LEO satellite communication services. The company changed its name from OneWeb to Eutelsat OneWeb in September after completing the merger and acquisition (M&A) process with France’s Eutelsat. The newly formed group, Eutelsat Group, is the world’s first fully integrated LEO and geostationary orbit (GEO) satellite operator with a fleet of 36 GEO satellites and a LEO constellation of more than 600 satellites.