OneWeb Satellites - A Game Changer for Remote Internet Access

What is OneWeb?

OneWeb is a joint venture between OneWeb and Airbus, which aims to provide low-latency, high-speed internet to remote locations around the globe. This includes connectivity for both rural land-based remote businesses as well as the maritime and offshore sectors. The OneWeb constellation consists of over 600 of low Earth orbit satellites that work together to provide seamless global coverage.

Applied Satellite Technology Networks are proud to be OneWeb’s official maritime partner. Through this partnership, we will be able to provide priority access to our clients so they can enjoy high-speed satellite internet connectivity at land and at sea. Backed by the UK Government, the OneWeb project is both exciting and innovative.

How do OneWeb’s satellites work?

OneWeb’s satellites work by beaming internet signals from space to ground stations located around the world. Users can access the internet through a range of devices, including smartphones, laptops, and tablets, just as they would with traditional internet services.

The OneWeb satellites are positioned in low Earth orbit, which means they are closer to the Earth's surface than traditional satellites. This reduces the latency or delay in signal transmission, resulting in faster internet speeds. The low Earth orbit also allows for a greater number of satellites to be deployed, which helps to provide seamless coverage across the globe.

Benefits of OneWeb’s satellites and services

OneWeb’s satellite network and services have the potential to provide 4G-like internet to regions that have never had high-speed access. This can have a significant impact on education, healthcare, and economic opportunities for those who previously had limited access to the internet.

In addition, OneWeb’s satellites can provide critical connectivity in disaster relief scenarios, where traditional infrastructure may be damaged or unavailable. Applied Satellite Technology prides itself on providing a vital communication line in war-torn and disaster susceptible countries by enabling access to critical communications when they need it most.

Protecting life and securing people is the priority in these scenarios. OneWeb could make it very quick and simple to set up these vital communication channels in the future – opening another option for quick deployment should disaster strike.

What is the current availability for OneWeb?

Currently, 618 OneWeb satellites are in orbit around the earth, with plans to launch more in the future to widen the regions connectivity will be available to. Land connectivity has been available since the final quarter of 2022 for countries that are 50°N including the United Kingdom, Ireland, Greenland and Iceland as well as parts of Northern Europe. Maritime connectivity will be available very soon, covering areas that are 50°N.

We are expecting OneWeb satellite connectivity to be available for maritime and land 25°N late 2023 with global coverage to follow.

Conclusion

OneWeb's satellite network is a game-changer for remote internet access, providing high-speed, low-latency connectivity to areas of the world previously without access. This technology has the potential to transform education, healthcare, and economic opportunities for millions of people living in remote regions, and can provide critical connectivity in disaster relief scenarios. With the launch of more satellites planned, the future of internet access is looking brighter than ever before.