Successful demonstration of '5G-SLT' technology transmitting video via 5G connection to vehicles moving at high speeds exceeding 100 km/h
5G network built in tunnels using base stations and data processing equipment developed for the Pyeongchang 5G pilot service

KT announced on the 12th that it has successfully demonstrated '5G-SLT (Skylife LTE TV)' technology, which transmits video by connecting a 5G network to a vehicle moving at high speeds of over 100 km/h. This marks the first time that 5G connectivity has been successfully established in an actual highway environment.

SLT is a technology that combines KT's LTE technology with KT Skylife's satellite broadcasting to provide high-definition video regardless of driving conditions, and was launched last July. It is a method that provides real-time broadcast signals via LTE when the satellite signal weakens, such as during heavy rain or when entering a tunnel, while providing real-time broadcasts via satellite.

For this technology demonstration, KT, with the cooperation of the Korea Expressway Corporation, installed a '5G base station (RFU, Radio Frequency Unit)' developed for the 5G pilot service to be showcased in Pyeongchang in '18 in Daegwallyeong 1 Tunnel on the Yeongdong Expressway, and connected it to a '5G data processing equipment (BBU, Base Band Unit)' to build a 5G network environment.

KT confirmed that a vehicle equipped with the '5G-SLT system,' which is interconnected with 5G, 4G, and satellite, receives broadcast signals from satellite and 4G networks on a regular highway, and as soon as it enters Daegwallyeong Tunnel 1, the vehicle connects to the 5G network to take over the broadcast signals, enabling seamless real-time TV service even in the tunnel.

KT explained that the 5G-SLT system developed last July consists of a 5G terminal, a router capable of selecting and utilizing 5G or 4G networks, and a satellite TV terminal, and that it was able to succeed in this demonstration by conducting tests and optimizations to link satellite signals with 4G and 5G for three months starting in August in a laboratory (LAB) environment where a 5G network was established similar to highway conditions.

The success of the 5G-SLT technology demonstration goes beyond a mere 5G interoperability test; it is significant in that it implemented services that consumers can directly experience, such as the real-time transmission of high-definition video over a 5G network. It is very meaningful.

In addition, KT assessed that 5G-SLT technology has laid the technological foundation for the commercialization of 5G-based hyper-connected services, such as autonomous driving and connected cars, which must ensure connectivity even in situations of high-speed movement.

Going forward, KT plans to utilize 5G-SLT technology for 5G experience events for visitors to Pyeongchang in 2018 at the Daegwallyeong Tunnel on the Yeongdong Expressway, which is a gateway from major cities such as Seoul and Incheon to Pyeongchang, and at Pyeongchang and Gangneung, which are major 5G pilot service areas in 2018, after undergoing additional field testing and 5G network optimization processes.

"With the successful connection of 5G with high-speed moving vehicles, we have once again proven that we can provide the best communication services in any environment based on 5G," said Seo Chang-seok, Executive Vice President and Head of KT's Network Strategy Division. "Based on the world-class technological capabilities we have built in the ICT field, we will continue our efforts to provide KT's unique high-quality specialized services."