OneWeb
OneWeb is a global communications company building a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite constellation to deliver broadband connectivity worldwide.
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About OneWeb
OneWeb is a global communications company building a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite constellation to deliver broadband connectivity worldwide. After emerging from bankruptcy in 2020, OneWeb completed its first-generation constellation and began commercial services, targeting government, enterprise, and connectivity provider customers who need reliable internet access in underserved areas.
OneWeb merged with Eutelsat in 2023, creating Eutelsat OneWeb, combining LEO and geostationary satellite assets. The combined company trades on Euronext Paris under ETL. OneWeb's constellation and ground network operate as part of this larger satellite communications enterprise.
History and Milestones
Greg Wyler founded OneWeb in 2012 with the vision of providing global internet coverage through a LEO satellite constellation. The company attracted major investors including SoftBank, Airbus, and Qualcomm, raising billions for constellation deployment.
OneWeb launched its first satellites in 2019 and rapidly deployed the constellation before financial difficulties led to bankruptcy filing in March 2020. The UK government and Bharti Global acquired OneWeb later that year, providing capital to resume operations.
The company completed its first-generation constellation of 648 satellites in 2023, launching the final satellites aboard SpaceX Falcon 9 after switching from Soyuz rockets following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Commercial service launched in select markets.
Products and Services
OneWeb provides wholesale connectivity services to telecommunications providers, governments, and enterprise customers. The LEO constellation offers lower latency than traditional geostationary satellites, suitable for interactive applications and VoIP.
Distribution services target maritime vessels, aircraft, enterprise sites, and community connectivity projects. OneWeb partners with local telecommunications providers who deliver services to end users rather than selling directly to consumers.
The company offers government and defense services, including contracts with the UK government and military communications applications. Government customers value the network's resilience and global coverage capability.
Technology and Capabilities
OneWeb's first-generation constellation consists of 648 satellites in polar and inclined orbits at approximately 1,200 km altitude. The Ku-band satellites provide coverage across all populated areas, including polar regions underserved by geostationary satellites.
The network uses a distributed ground station architecture to connect the satellite constellation to terrestrial internet infrastructure. User terminals provide the last-mile connection to the OneWeb network.
Airbus Defence and Space manufactures OneWeb satellites at a dedicated facility in Florida, demonstrating high-volume satellite production capability. The satellites are designed for approximately five-year operational life.
Business and Financial Overview
Following the Eutelsat merger, OneWeb's financial results are consolidated with the larger company. As a standalone company, OneWeb generated initial commercial revenue while building toward scale operations.
The merger with Eutelsat created a company with both LEO and GEO satellite assets, enabling combined service offerings. The combined enterprise trades on Euronext with a market capitalization reflecting both businesses.
Major customers include telecommunications providers, government agencies, and enterprise customers requiring reliable connectivity. The company's go-to-market strategy focuses on wholesale partnerships rather than consumer retail.
Recent Developments
In 2024, Eutelsat OneWeb continued commercial service expansion while integrating operations following the merger. The company focused on growing distribution partnerships and government customer base.
OneWeb advanced plans for second-generation satellites with enhanced capabilities. The company also expanded ground network infrastructure to improve coverage and capacity.
Commercial traction grew as more distribution partners launched services using OneWeb capacity. The company demonstrated use cases in maritime, aviation, and enterprise connectivity markets.
Market Position
OneWeb competes with Starlink, Amazon's planned Project Kuiper, and Telesat's Lightspeed constellation in the LEO broadband market. The company's wholesale model differentiates it from Starlink's consumer focus.
The Eutelsat merger provides financial stability and combined GEO/LEO service capabilities. Government and enterprise customers may prefer this established approach compared to Starlink's consumer-oriented offering.
Strategic challenges include competing with SpaceX's scale advantages and Amazon's coming Project Kuiper constellation. OneWeb's advantages include operational experience, global partnerships, and combined GEO/LEO positioning.
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Data Accuracy Notice: Information about OneWeb is compiled from publicly available sources including company websites, press releases, regulatory filings, and industry reports. Data is reviewed periodically but may not reflect the most recent developments.