OneWeb

OneWeb is a satellite communications company that operates a constellation of low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites to provide global broadband connectivity. Founded in 2012, the company aims to deliver high-speed, low-latency internet services to underserved areas worldwide. OneWeb's network consists of 634 small satellites orbiting at an altitude of 1,200 kilometers, with plans to expand to 648 satellites for global coverage. The company's satellites, combined with ground-based gateway stations and user terminals, enable affordable and robust communications services for enterprises, communities, and the public sector.

OneWeb's business model focuses on selling services to telecommunications companies and other business partners rather than directly to consumers. As of March 2023, OneWeb had 53 distribution partners, with plans to increase this number to 75 by the end of 2023. The company had an order book of USD 900 million and a deal pipeline of approximately USD 3.4 billion as of April 2023. OneWeb's network provides coverage to areas north of 50 degrees latitude, including Europe, North America, and parts of Asia, with plans for global coverage by 2024.

In September 2023, OneWeb completed a merger with Eutelsat, a French satellite operator, in a deal that valued OneWeb at USD 3.4 billion. The combined entity, now known as Eutelsat OneWeb, aims to leverage Eutelsat's fleet of geostationary satellites with OneWeb's LEO constellation to offer enhanced connectivity solutions. OneWeb continues to operate as a subsidiary of Eutelsat, with its center of operations remaining in London.

Key customers and partnerships

OneWeb has secured partnerships with several telecommunications companies and organizations across various industries. In the US, OneWeb has signed a partnership with AT&T to provide connectivity services. The company has also partnered with BT in the UK for rural broadband trials.

In the maritime sector, OneWeb aims to provide high-speed connectivity for ships and offshore platforms. The company has also targeted the aviation industry, offering in-flight connectivity solutions. OneWeb has expanded its reach to remote regions, providing services in Canada, Greenland, and British territories in the South Atlantic.

In March 2023, OneWeb announced a partnership with NOW Communications to bring LEO satellite internet to the Philippines. The company has also received approval from India's space regulator, IN-SPACe, to initiate commercial satellite broadband services in the country, making it the first organization to receive such authorization in India. Additionally, OneWeb has garnered interest from the US military, leading to the establishment of an office in Virginia to cater to potential defense sector clients.