OneWeb, a global communications company, has reportedly launched new internet satellites from Kazakhstan atop a Russian-developed Soyuz rocket. OneWeb had acquired the rocket from Arianespace, a renowned aerospace company based in France.

Adrian Steckel, CEO, OneWeb, stated that the launch is anticipated to be the first of 10 launches that would be undertaken by OneWeb this year, under its efforts to grow its portfolio of internet-beaming satellites to over 300 devices. Each of the planned 10 launches would carry at least 34 satellites. Prior to the launch, OneWeb had launched six satellites merely a year ago.

Steckel further stated that the company has performed better than expected, exhibiting speeds that could compete with 5G internet. It is estimated that satellites would be rolling off assembly lines smoothly for the rest of the year, and a second batch of more than 30 satellites would be ready for flight by March.

SpaceX, founded by Elon Musk, is the other company which is manufacturing telecommunications satellites on a large scale. SpaceX is building its very own portfolio of internet satellites, which already has over 200 devices and is projected to grow to more than 1,500 in the next 11 months.  

Both OneWeb and SpaceX are building their satellite internet businesses on the same code that instead of connecting people through the use of conventional ground-based technologies like cell towers and cables, which fail to reach billions of people throughout the globe, an arrangement of satellites orbiting the earth could connect the whole planet with a high-broadband internet service.

Steckel stated that the company is planning to start business from 2021. Beginning from providing services to governments as well as corporate customers who provide internet service to ships, boats and aircrafts. The company would also sell bandwidth to consumer-based internet service providers like Verizon and Comcast.

OneWeb is majorly funded by Softbank, the Japanese investing giant. Other investors of OneWeb are Virgin Group, Airbus, and Coca-Cola who have helped the startup raise approximately $3.4 billion, adds Steckel.

Source credit: https://edition.cnn.com/2020/02/06/tech/oneweb-satellite-internet-launch-scn/index.html