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Sailors to Use LTE-Level Internet Even in the Vast Ocean
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Date
2026.02.11.
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Sailors to Use LTE-Level Internet Even in the Vast Ocean
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The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries (MOF) announced that it would be holding a commemorative event to support the distribution of LEO satellite Internet services such as OneWeb and Starlink through the Seafarers' Fund—which is jointly managed by labor, management, and government—at the Busan Maritime and Fisheries Training Institute on Thursday, February 5.
Most ships use geostationary satellites for Internet access, making it difficult for the crew to send photos and watch videos. Therefore, MOF has been preparing for the adoption of LEO satellite Internet at sea, having reached an agreement with labor and management in 2023 to introduce high-speed Internet on board vessels promptly. Such preparation has included consistently urging the Ministry of Science and ICT to expedite procedures such as approving cross-border supply agreements and conducting terminal suitability assessments.
Accordingly, the Ministry of Science and ICT has laid the foundation for using LEO satellite Internet by revising the frequency allocation table, establishing technical standards, and approving the cross-border provision of overseas LEO satellite Internet services Starlink and OneWeb. Since then, the spread of LEO satellite Internet has enabled more than 50 times faster Internet speeds than before, comparable to terrestrial LTE.
The commemorative event will be attended by Acting Minister of Oceans and Fisheries Kim Seong-beom, Second Vice Minister of Science and ICT Ryu Je-myeong, Chairman Lee Seung-woo of the Korea Seafarers’ Fund Foundation, and officials from the Korea Shipping Association and the Korean Federation of Seafarers' Unions, among others, to celebrate the achievements made together by labor, management, and government.
Furthermore, the Korea Seafarers’ Fund Foundation will present a plaque of appreciation to the Ministry of Science and ICT for its cooperation in introducing LEO satellite Internet. The event will also include an awarding ceremony for Ocean Polytechnical College students who are recipients of scholarships, which are aimed at cultivating excellent maritime officers.
The onboard LEO satellite Internet support project will target Essential National Ships* and International Voyage Vessels**. Funding of KRW 800,000 per vessel per month is scheduled to be provided through the Seafarers' Fund Foundation starting February. Shipping companies wishing to participate in the project can apply with the Korea Seafarers’ Fund Foundation. Further details are available on the notice board at the Korea Seafarers’ Fund Foundation website (www.kseafarers.or.kr).
* Vessels designated and operated to transport essential supplies for the national economy in times of emergency
** Vessels designated and operated to ensure the stable employment of Korean sailors and maintain an appropriate scale
“We expect the high-speed Internet onboard ships to help relieve some of the isolation felt by seafarers who have to live on ships for long periods of time,” Acting Minister of Oceans and Fisheries Kim Seong-beom said. According to him, the government will continue to work with labor and management to create an environment where seafarers can work with satisfaction.
“We have established an institutional foundation to enable the public to use LEO satellite communications conveniently, and I find it meaningful that these efforts have led to improved living conditions for seafarers. We will continue to enhance industrial competitiveness through research and development investments in LEO satellite communications based on international standards,” Second Vice Minister of Science and ICT Ryu Je-myeong said.
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