Conceptual diagram of low-Earth-orbit satellite communication cooperation among SK telink, Korea Electric Power Corp. and Starlink Korea. Photo courtesy of SK telink
Starlink, a low-earth-orbit (LEO) satellite communications technology, will be applied to the emergency communications network of Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO). The move lowers the risk of simultaneous failures and enhances the continuity of real-time monitoring and business system operations.
SK Telink announced Wednesday that it has begun full operation of a three-way cooperation framework with KEPCO and Starlink Korea to apply LEO satellite communications to national power infrastructure.
Through this partnership, KEPCO has decided to gradually expand the application of LEO satellite communications to the emergency communications networks of 15 regional headquarters nationwide, starting from its Naju headquarters. The initiative aims to secure a stable communications system even in disaster situations. Key facilities including KEPCO’s headquarters, regional offices, and substations will use an LEO satellite communications network that is physically separated from the ground communications network in the event of a disaster.
The three companies will deploy five vehicle-mounted Starlink units and three mobile (backpack-type) Starlink units in the North Gyeongsang and Gangwon headquarters to verify operability. The goal is to test data and voice communications operation scenarios for field workers and disaster response personnel in environments where communications infrastructure is insufficient or may be damaged, such as mountainous areas, remote regions, and large wildfire zones. Based on the results of this pilot project, the companies plan to refine operational standards and equipment utilization plans, and expand the emergency communications network to 15 headquarters nationwide to build a nationwide disaster response communications system.
In this partnership, Starlink Korea provides the global satellite network, while SK Telink, as a domestic telecommunications operator, handles 24/365 operations, fixed IP, internet phone, security integration, terminal supply, and technical support. KEPCO plans to implement an integrated service model that optimizes global standards for domestic public infrastructure conditions by reflecting requirements and security policies suited to the operating environment of national power infrastructure.
“The cooperation with KEPCO is the starting point of design collaboration to stably apply global LEO satellite communications to Korea’s national backbone network,” said Lee Shin-yong, head of SK Telink’s satellite business division. “Based on satellite communications capabilities proven at sea and in polar regions, we plan to expand our responsible operations model to various areas including public, defense, and plant sectors.”