OneWeb is a global communications company with a mission to provide affordable internet access everywhere through a large satellite constellation in Low Earth Orbit (LEO). Here’s an overview of OneWeb and its ambitions:

Background:

OneWeb was founded in 2012 with the vision of creating a network of satellites to provide high-speed internet access across the globe, especially targeting areas without reliable broadband connectivity.

Satellite Constellation:

  • Number of Satellites: OneWeb’s original plan was to launch around 650 satellites, but they have indicated potential plans to expand this number in the future.
  • Orbit: The satellites operate in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) which, compared to geostationary satellites, significantly reduces communication latency and makes the network suitable for real-time activities like video conferencing and online gaming.
  • Global Coverage: With its constellation, OneWeb aims to offer coverage to the entire planet, from pole to pole.

Financial and Operational Challenges:

  • Bankruptcy: Facing financial challenges, OneWeb filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the U.S. in March 2020.
  • Emergence from Bankruptcy: In November 2020, OneWeb successfully emerged from bankruptcy after securing new investment, notably from the UK government and the Indian telecom conglomerate Bharti Global.

Competitors:

OneWeb is one of several companies aiming to create global broadband networks using satellite constellations in LEO. Its most notable competitor is SpaceX’s Starlink. Other contenders in this space include Amazon’s Project Kuiper and Telesat LEO.

Progress:

As of my last update in September 2021, OneWeb had launched several batches of satellites and was in the process of scaling up its constellation to achieve global coverage.

Implications:

The successful deployment of OneWeb’s satellite network has the potential to transform global communications by:

  1. Bridging the Digital Divide: Offering internet connectivity in rural and remote areas that lack terrestrial broadband infrastructure.
  2. Supporting Emerging Technologies: With global high-speed connectivity, technologies like IoT, telemedicine, and more can reach a wider audience.
  3. Competition: With multiple entities aiming for global satellite broadband, consumers could benefit from competitive pricing and services.

However, it’s also important to note that these satellite constellations pose challenges, like increasing the risk of space debris and potential interference with astronomical observations.