OneWeb (Eutelsat OneWeb)
A low Earth orbit internet constellation whose first phase comprises about 648 satellites at 1,200 km. After bankruptcy in 2020, the UK government and Bharti took over; it merged with Eutelsat in 2023 and focuses on government, enterprise, maritime, and aviation customers.
How can aircraft stay online over the ocean? OneWeb is one of the satellite networks that can provide the link. Its first generation consists of about 648 satellites in near-polar orbits around 1,200 km high.
Its business history has been eventful: bankruptcy protection in 2020, acquisition by a consortium including the UK government and India’s Bharti Group, then a merger with Eutelsat in 2023. It now operates as Eutelsat OneWeb.
What is it?
Greg Wyler founded OneWeb in 2012, and the first six satellites launched in February 2019. Their proximity compared with geostationary satellites reduces signal travel time. Ground gateways connect their signals to the internet, forming data bridges between space and Earth.
What is it used for?
While Starlink prominently serves individual users, OneWeb mainly works through partners in enterprise, maritime, and aviation markets. You may never see a OneWeb home antenna, but could use its network on a ship, long flight, or remote mine site.
From bankruptcy to merger
OneWeb filed for bankruptcy in March 2020 with only 74 satellites in orbit. A UK government–Bharti Global consortium agreed to acquire it for about US$1 billion in July. It emerged from bankruptcy in November and resumed launches. First-phase deployment was completed in March 2023 for global coverage. Its September merger with Eutelsat created the first integrated geostationary and low Earth orbit operator.
Why is it useful near the poles?
The first generation has over 600 satellites in orbit with inclinations close to 88°, passing over high latitudes. This extends communications toward Earth’s poles, benefiting polar flights, research stations, and northern communities.
