KT (CEO Kim Young-seop) has completed the development and field verification of specialized antennas for efficient 5G commercial network coverage for UAM, and is moving forward in earnest to provide stable commercial network coverage in the future.

KT announced on the 30th that it has developed a specialized antenna that can efficiently build 5G airspace network coverage dedicated to UAM and conducted field verification. This verification was conducted in Goheung, Jeollanam-do, where the first phase of the K-UAM Grand Challenge open-air demonstration is taking place.

Through this verification, KT checked the beam pattern and performance of the antenna specialized for the UAM flight path, the corridor (altitude 300-600m, width 100m), and confirmed that the specialized antenna secures 5G airspace network coverage more efficiently than existing ground antennas. Through this, it is expected that investment cost reduction effects, etc. can be achieved when building airspace network coverage in the future.

In addition, KT utilized a mobile integrated control environment capable of verifying the quality of commercial network communications in real time for this UAM 5G commercial network quality verification. In addition, we are continuing to strengthen UAM competitiveness by completing patent applications for handover and cell interference minimization technologies to provide a stable commercial network communication environment.

KT plans to apply AI and 5G SA communication technologies to the UAM Air Traffic Management (UATM) system and the commercial communication network, and to continuously prepare technologies necessary for commercializing UAM to enhance safety.

KT Network Strategy Headquarters Consulting Technology P-TF Managing Director Han Mi-sook said, “We expect that the specialized antenna developed this time will enable the successful execution of GC-1 phase and efficient network design for the construction of GC-2 phase urban UAM airspace network,” adding, “We will strive to provide stable airspace network coverage in preparation for future commercialization of UAM.”