OneWeb Announces Plans to Launch a New Satellite
Constellation to Bring High-Speed Internet to
Underserved Areas Around the World
WorldVu Satellites Limited, operating as OneWeb, Ltd,
today announced plans to build, launch and operate a
low-earth-orbit satellite constellation to help bring
high-speed Internet and telephony to billions of people
around the world. Qualcomm Incorporated and The Virgin
Group have been announced as initial investors, with
Qualcomm Executive Chairman Dr. Paul Jacobs and Virgin
Group Founder Sir Richard Branson to join OneWeb founder
Greg Wyler on the company's board of directors.
Financial terms of the deal have not been disclosed.
OneWeb plans to bring in additional investors to fund
construction, launch and operation of its system.
According to the International Telecommunications Union, as
of the end of 2014, more than half the world’s population lacks
Internet access. OneWeb, founded in 2012 under the name WorldVu,
hopes to bring high-speed Internet and telephony to people
living in underserved areas. The OneWeb satellite system
introduces the first-ever telecom-class micro satellites. This
projected fleet of 648 micro satellites is intended to provide
low-latency, high-speed Internet access directly to small user
terminals deployed around the world.
The OneWeb system will extend the networks of mobile
operators globally, enabling them to provide coverage to rural
and remote areas, which historically have not been economically
feasible to connect using terrestrial networks. OneWeb plans to
work with local operator partners to provide this access. OneWeb
terminals act as small cells with the ability to provide access
to the surrounding area via a WiFi, LTE, 3G or 2G connection
using an operator partner’s licensed spectrum, or only LTE or
WiFi on unlicensed spectrum.
OneWeb aims to provide users terminals that are
self-installable, enabling coverage in these areas for any
nearby phone, computer or tablet. OneWeb’s network would also be
able to provide global emergency and first responder access for
disaster situations, refugee camps or other areas in need.
OneWeb also announced the selection of its first satellite
launch vehicle provider, Virgin Galactic and Virgin Galactic’s
LauncherOne vehicle.
“OneWeb is designing a global communications infrastructure
that will enable affordable Internet access to the world’s
underserved populations,” said OneWeb Founder and CEO Greg
Wyler. “With the spectrum and technology, coupled with strong
partners, we look forward to advancing global connectivity.”
“We are excited by OneWeb’s bold vision to launch this major
satellite constellation and be one of its key early investors,”
said Virgin Group founder Richard Branson. “Imagine the
possibilities for the three billion people in hard to reach
areas who are currently not connected. We’re excited for the
opportunity for Virgin Galactic’s LauncherOne programme to help
make it possible through low cost, reliable and frequent
satellite launches. Improving access to education, health care,
financial systems, and employment will take a revolution, one
that we are tremendously proud to be part of.”
“We have a shared vision to bring connectivity to underserved
areas around the world,” said Qualcomm Executive Chairman Paul
Jacobs. “We are pleased to join Virgin as an initial investor,
and we look forward to helping fund initial technical
feasibility work for the satellite system.”
