BT and OneWeb sign first satellite test deal

Date:
Wed, 03 Nov 2021 11:23:18 +0000

Description:
Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite communication service deal with OneWeb could majorly boost BT networks.

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BT has announced a first partnership with satellite provider OneWeb , potentially signalling the start of a new era for connectivity for the company.

The deal will see BT examine how Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite
communication services provided by OneWeb could boost BT networks and connectivity to users around the world.

BT and OneWeb signed an initial Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in July, with this new official agreement signalling the next step forward in
the partnership, which aims to use LEOs to deliver digital services anywhere across the UK by 2028. BT OneWeb satellites

The partnership means that, following initial trials concerning how OneWeb satellites integrate with its networks, BT will start the first live trials with customers from early 2022.

The company's EE mobile arm had hinted at possible satellite coverage earlier this year, but BT did not mention mobile in its press release, instead noting the initial launch could focus on IoT backhaul and Fixed Wireless Access in rural areas.

Space is an emerging and enormous digital opportunity, and this is an important step towards harnessing its potential for BTs customers across the globe," said Philip Jansen, Chief Executive of BT Group.

"We will put OneWebs technology through its paces in our UK labs with the
goal of delivering live trials in early 2022. Delivered securely and at
scale, satellite solutions will be an important part of our plans to expand connectivity throughout the UK and globally, and to further diversify the range of services we can offer our customers.

OneWeb says it hopes to deliver global coverage by June 2022 through its network of 648 LEOs, including complete coverage of the UK later this year.

The company notes that current capacity levels within its satellites will
mean initial trials focus on its role as a supplementary, low latency
backhaul solution to sites where additional capacity or a back-up solution is required, and to deliver improved resilience for business customers.

BT has taken the lead in the recognition of LEO satellites advantage," said OneWebs Chief Executive Officer Neil Masterson.

"We are delighted as this agreement with BT Group represents an important strategic partnership for OneWeb as we continue to make progress towards our operational launch. We are excited to be playing such a key role in improving the resilience of the overall telecom infrastructure in the UK. OneWebs connectivity platform will help bridge the last digital divides across the country and enhance the nations digital infrastructure.

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Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/news/bt-and-oneweb-sign-first-satellite-test-deal/


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