OneWeb and BT to Explore Rural Connectivity Solutions Together

OneWeb and BT today announced that they have signed a MoU to explore improved digital communication. The companies also aim to reach some of the most remote regions in the UK and around the world.

OneWeb and BT to Explore Rural Connectivity

The Space internet company said that it will partner with BT to reach "challenging geographic locations". It also said that the companies will look to improve capacity, mobile resilience, backhaul and coverage. OneWeb and BT plan to put the former's satellite constellation to use to deliver the said solutions.

Further, OneWeb said that it and BT will look to deliver OneWeb’s services to users around the UK. The companies will also look to explore similar opportunities across the world. Both the companies will look for collaborations around the world, the statement added.

On the occasion, OneWeb’s CEO Neil Masterson said, "OneWeb’s network will be a vital means for bridging the last digital divides across the network and we are excited to be part of the solution with BT to expand the nation’s digital infrastructure."

Philip Jansen, Chief Executive, BT, added, "our agreement with OneWeb is an important step to understanding how that goal could be achieved in the future."

UK's Digital Infrastructure Minister, Matt Warman, added, “no one should miss out on the benefits of better broadband and mobile coverage. It's great that BT and OneWeb are working together to explore new ways to bring faster and more reliable connectivity to the hardest to reach homes."

The satellite internet company has plans to launch 650 satellites in orbit, delivering internet to remote areas. The company recently applied for licenses to operate in India, where it plans to launch its services commercially in 2022. However, the company is not alone in its venture. In India, the Bharti-backed company will face stiff competition from the likes of Viasat, Project Kuiper and Starlink.

Starlink has already started taking pre-orders and will launch commercially in mid-2022, around the same time. Also, the Elon Musk-led company has a far larger satellite constellation.