MOU Signing Ceremony between Lee Sung-hee, CEO of AP Satellite (right), and Jung Jong-min, CEO of HFR

AP Satellite announced on the 6th that it had signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with HFR at MWC 2025 to cooperate on a 5G-based terrestrial and non-terrestrial communication system. Through this agreement, the two companies will jointly promote the commercialization of next-generation mobile communication networks that link satellites and terrestrial networks.

AP Satellite, a subsidiary of Contec Space Group, is a specialized company with technologies in satellite systems and satellite communication terminals, providing core technology for Mobile Satellite Service (MSS) systems.

HFR will provide 5G private network equipment, including 5G core networks, network management systems, open RAN base stations, Wi-Fi, and IoT routers. The two companies will work together to advance the MSS project and expand into global markets.

Lee Sung-hee, CEO of AP Satellite, stated, “We will accelerate the development of non-terrestrial communication solutions and actively target the global market,” adding, “Our collaboration with HFR will help usher in the era of next-generation 5G satellite communications.”

HFR CEO Jung Jong-min also remarked, “This partnership will contribute to building an innovative network that integrates satellite and 5G technologies.”

As interest grows in “space-ground integrated networks” that combine satellite and mobile communications, this partnership is expected to serve as a major milestone in leading the satellite-based 5G communication market. The ability to provide high-speed data services in areas beyond the reach of existing networks makes this applicable to various sectors, including industrial, military, disaster response, and remote area communications.

Under the MOU, AP Satellite and HFR will sequentially pursue:

• joint promotion of MSS networks and terminal projects,
• application of 5G private network solutions, and
• global market expansion and marketing cooperation.

The MOU is valid until December 31, 2028, and will be automatically terminated upon the signing of a formal agreement. AP Satellite and HFR plan to lead the development of next-generation networks that combine 5G mobile and satellite communications, thereby strengthening their competitiveness in the global telecommunications market.