Satellite Constellation Cut Announced by OneWeb
Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite communications company OneWeb, has "streamlined" its satellite constellation and reduced its request for U.S. market access from 47,884 to 6,372 spacecraft. Together with the satellites for which it is already licensed by the FCC, the total constellation size will be roughly 7,000, down from the 48,000 or so proposed last year.
“We are delighted to welcome the investment from SoftBank and Hughes."
Sunil Bharti Mittal, Executive Chairman of OneWeb.
This solidification of OneWeb’s satellite constellation demonstrates the commitment and vision of OneWeb’s new owners, the U.K. Government and Bharti Global who are dedicated to deploying a cost effective, responsible, and groundbreaking satellite network to deliver global broadband.
OneWeb remains focused on launching its first-generation system of 648 satellites and is on track to start regional commercial services within a year. Today’s streamlining activities highlight OneWeb’s plan for global connectivity services and for future generations and possibilities for the network.
Meanwhile, the company announced that it has secured additional funding from SoftBank Group Corp. (“SoftBank”) and Hughes Network Systems LLC (“Hughes”), bringing OneWeb’s total funding to $1.4 billion. The capital raised to date positions the Company to be fully funded for its first-generation satellite fleet, totaling 648 satellites, by the end of 2022.
OneWeb’s mission is "to deliver broadband connectivity worldwide to bridge the global Digital Divide by offering everyone, everywhere access including to the Internet of Things (IoT) future and a pathway to 5G." OneWeb’s LEO satellite system includes a network of global gateway stations and a range of user terminals for different customer markets capable of delivering affordable, fast, high-bandwidth and low-latency satellite communications services. In December 2020, OneWeb launched 36 new satellites, built at its Airbus Joint Venture assembly plant in Florida, USA, bringing the Company’s total fleet to 110 satellites, all fully-functioning and benefiting from International Telecommunication Union spectrum priority.
“We are delighted to welcome the investment from SoftBank and Hughes," said Sunil Bharti Mittal, Executive Chairman of OneWeb. "Both are deeply familiar with our business, share our vision for the future, and their commitment allows us to capitalize on the significant growth opportunity ahead for OneWeb. We gain from their experience and capabilities, as we deliver a unique LEO network for the world.”
(Source: OneWeb news releases. Image from file)