Eutelsat OneWeb

This cutting-edge network, defined by its constellation of 648 satellites in Low Earth Orbit (LEO), approximately 1,200km above Earth’s surface, offers global coverage with remarkable efficiency.

Organized into 12 orbital planes, these satellites complete an orbit in about 109 minutes, achieving 13 orbits per day.

Their size, akin to a small washing machine and weighing around 150 kg, belies their power: each satellite can cover an area as large as Alaska, delivering 7.2 Gbps and contributing to a cumulative usable capacity of 1.1 Tbps.

OneWeb satellites employ 16 beams to extend coverage, using laser communication for satellite-to-satellite interaction, enhancing bandwidth and flexibility.

Their ability to adjust orbital paths optimizes positioning for efficient communication.

Powered by solar panels, they boast a lifespan of five years, a testament to sustainable technological innovation.

With an orbital speed of 27,000 km/h and completing an orbit in 109 minutes, these satellites are a marvel of modern engineering.

OneWeb’s LEO positioning offers a distinct advantage in reducing latency. Being 30 times closer to Earth than Geostationary Orbit (GEO) satellites, OneWeb achieves latency as low as 70ms, in stark contrast to the 560ms typical of GEO systems.

This low latency dramatically enhances performance in live streaming, cloud applications, disaster recovery communications, and voice calls.

As of May 2023, OneWeb has expanded its coverage to include the 35th parallel north, significantly extending its reach across Canada, southern Europe, the northern USA, and even maritime regions.

This expansion reflects OneWeb’s commitment to bridging digital divides and offering high-speed broadband connectivity where alternatives are scarce.

Comparing OneWeb with Starlink, a similar player in the market, reveals key differences. While both operate in similar frequency bands with comparable latencies, their target markets differ.

Starlink caters to a broader range, including consumers, businesses, and government, offering more cost-effective plans.

OneWeb, conversely, focuses on providing reliable, high-speed services primarily to private businesses and government agencies. This focus results in more predictable network performance, albeit at a slightly higher cost.

Technical Differences:

• Orbital Altitude: OneWeb at 1,200 km vs. Starlink at 550 km.
• Download Speed: OneWeb up to 150 Mbps, Starlink up to 220 Mbps.
• Upload Speed: OneWeb up to 30 Mbps, Starlink up to 20 Mbps.
• Latency: OneWeb <70 ms, Starlink <25 ms fixed, <60 ms mobile.
• Number of Satellites: OneWeb 648, Starlink 4,519 in orbit, 4,487 operational.

These differences also extend to hardware and partnerships.

Unlike Starlink’s end-to-end control, OneWeb collaborates with established satellite antenna manufacturers, offering flexibility and empowering users with greater control over traffic and security.

Looking ahead, OneWeb’s Gen 2 satellites represent the next evolution in their technology. These satellites, equipped with advanced features like digital beamforming and regenerative processing, promise increased flexibility and capacity.

OneWeb’s User Terminals

Key to OneWeb’s service are its user terminals, like the Intellian OW series and Kymeta U8, which offer high-speed broadband internet on the move.

These terminals, designed by leading manufacturers, employ phased array antennas for efficient communication. Their user-friendly installation and low power consumption make them ideal for a range of applications.

OneWeb’s satellite internet service represents a connectivity revolution, offering low-latency, high-speed internet across the globe. Its expansion and technological advancements hold the promise of unparalleled internet access, especially in regions where connectivity has been a challenge.

For businesses and government agencies looking for robust and reliable internet solutions, OneWeb offers a compelling choice.

If you’re exploring satellite connectivity options for your project, whether it’s for emergency communications, broadband internet, or IoT applications, consider the advanced capabilities and global reach of OneWeb.

Embrace the future of connectivity and ensure your operations are powered by the cutting-edge technology that OneWeb provides.