KT’s new broadcast satellite begins operation

Olleh-1 satellite allows high-definition images and 3-D programs


KT Corp is to begin offering commercial high-definition digital images and 3-D programming services after its new broadcast satellite entered geostationary orbit earlier last month, the company said Monday.

The Olleh-1 satellite has also successfully taken on the services formerly provided by broadcast and communication satellite Mugunghwa-3. The former satellite, fired in September 1999, will be used as backup for the new satellite.

The successful launch of the new broadcast satellite indicates that high-definition digital images and 3-D programming ― upgraded by 25 percent from the previous version ― will be available for the next 15 years, according to KT officials.

“We’re now able to give our customers high-quality service through enabling commercialized services with our new satellite Olleh-1, and we will continuously enhance service quality to step up as a global satellite service operator,” said Kwon Yeong-mo, chief of the satellite business department at KT.

Earlier in December, KT announced it successfully launched Olleh-1 from the Guiana Space Center in French Guiana.

The satellite, named after the firm’s flagship brand, takes place as KT is planning to expand the service area to other countries like those in Asia, the Middle East and Africa by 2013 through cooperation with international satellite companies.

Since August 1995, the company has launched four broadcast and communication satellites, including Olleh 1. Currently, only two of them are in operation.

By Cho Ji-hyun (sharon@heraldcorp.com)