[Edaily Reporter Kim Hyun-ah ] The government has issued an official interpretation stating that, under current law, there is no issue with the practice of providing LTE services by utilizing low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite communication networks—such as Starlink—as a backhaul (the network connecting base stations to the carrier’s network) for domestic mobile communication networks.

In the United States, the integration of satellite networks and mobile communication networks is progressing rapidly, with companies such as Starlink and T-Mobile expanding D2D (Direct-to-Device) services that connect smartphones directly to satellites.

In South Korea as well, it has been determined that connecting small LTE base stations to mobile carriers’ core networks via low-Earth orbit satellite networks—rather than using existing fiber-optic cables—does not violate the Telecommunications Business Act or the Radio Wave Act. However, if third parties—such as SKTelecom(017670), KTCorporation(030200), and LG Uplus(032640) —that are not mobile carriers wish to operate small base stations using a specific carrier’s frequencies, they must obtain the consent of and operate under the control of that carrier.

The government determined that the connection between satellite backhaul and small cell base stations cannot be considered “interconnection” between existing telecommunications operators but rather constitutes “facility provision” involving the use of a satellite operator’s telecommunications facilities.

The Ministry of Science and ICT recently provided this legal interpretation in response to an inquiry from E-Daily regarding the “Introduction of Forest Digital Communications Infrastructure Based on Low-Earth Orbit Satellite-LTE Convergence Technology” project, valued at approximately 1.8 billion won, currently being pursued by the Korea Forest Service.

This official interpretation was issued after SpaceLink, which is preparing for the Korea Forest Service project, inquired with the Ministry of Science and ICT whether it is permissible under the Telecommunications Business Act and the Radio Wave Act for a foreign satellite communications operator’s lines to be used as the backhaul for LTE small cells.

Combining Satellite Backhaul with LTE: Legally Feasible

A backhaul is a communication network that connects base stations to a mobile carrier’s core network. While wired networks such as fiber-optic cables have traditionally been used, satellite networks can serve as backhaul in areas where it is difficult to deploy wired infrastructure, such as mountainous regions, islands, or at sea.

The Korea Forest Service’s project involves combining low-Earth orbit satellites—such as Starlink or OneWeb—with “femtocells,” which are ultra-small mobile base stations, to create a backhaul network.

The Ministry of Science and ICT determined that the method of connecting and operating small base stations that comply with technical standards—using lines from foreign satellite communications providers as backhaul—is not illegal in itself.

Possible if done by mobile carriers themselves… Third-party consent required

However, the necessary procedures and requirements vary depending on the entity operating the service.

The Ministry of Science and ICT has determined that it is permissible for mobile carriers—such as SKTelecom, KTCorporation, and LG Uplus—to establish and operate small base stations using frequencies allocated to them under their own names and responsibility, while utilizing lines from foreign satellite operators as backhaul.

Related equipment, such as small cell base stations and satellite earth stations (VSATs), must meet the relevant requirements, including permits and notifications under the Radio Wave Act, as well as technical standards.

On the other hand, if a third party wishes to directly install and operate a small cell using a specific mobile carrier’s spectrum, the consent and oversight of that carrier are required.

This approach differs from the Direct-to-Device (D2D) method—a direct smartphone-to-satellite connection—that Starlink is promoting in the U.S. and other countries in collaboration with T-Mobile. While D2D connects smartphones directly to satellites, the Korea Forest Service’s project utilizes the satellite network as a backhaul for LTE base stations to supplement the terrestrial mobile communication network.

“Facility Provision,” Not “Interconnection”… Mobile Carriers Retain Network Management Authority

The Ministry of Science and ICT did not classify the connection between small cell base stations and satellite earth stations as

“interconnection,”

which under the Telecommunications Business Act requires the interconnection of switching facilities between telecommunications operators.

Instead, it issued an authoritative interpretation classifying it as “facility provision,” whereby domestic telecommunications carriers use telecommunications facilities owned and operated by satellite telecommunications operators.

When a small cell connects to a mobile carrier’s commercial network, the carrier may apply its own standards for network operation, security, equipment certification, and access control, regardless of whether a satellite backhaul is used.

Therefore, in actual business operations, the key factors determining the implementation of the project are which mobile carrier’s frequencies are used and how that carrier manages and controls the small cells and its commercial network.

Korea Forest Service’s 1.8 Billion Won Project… Challenges with Femtocell Security and Equipment Requirements

The Korea Forest Service has been pushing forward with an infrastructure project worth 1.8 billion won to facilitate emergency reports from loggers in mountainous areas and to respond to wildfires and other disasters.

However, following a femtocell security breach in 2025, mobile carriers have adopted a cautious stance toward supplying new mobile LTE femtocells and integrating them with commercial networks, creating difficulties in moving the project forward.

The Korea Forest Service has proposed a limited operational plan that would allow access only to 74 registered lines and operate from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The agency also plans to designate and manage mobile equipment on a one-unit-at-a-time basis and implement additional security measures.

Regardless of the legal determination that the use of satellite backhaul is permissible, additional practical requirements must be addressed before the project can commence, including proof of in-house production for femtocell equipment, line redundancy utilizing multiple mobile networks, network interconnection, and the scope of operational responsibility in the event of a failure.

Review of Regulatory Reform for Integrating Satellite and Terrestrial Networks

As discussions on non-terrestrial networks (NTN) and 6G gain momentum, the integration of satellite networks and terrestrial mobile communication networks is expected to expand.

Nam Seok, Director General for Communications Policy at the Ministry of Science and ICT, stated, “Countries are shifting from a system where satellite communications were viewed as a separate special service to one where they are integrated as part of mobile communication networks,” adding, “Although we are still at the stage of complementing rather than replacing terrestrial networks, we are also reviewing policy research and regulatory reforms in line with this direction.”

This official interpretation is significant in that it confirms the legal feasibility of utilizing low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite networks as an LTE backhaul. However, for the actual introduction of such services, mobile carriers must meet relevant requirements, including network operation and control, as well as security and authentication.