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OneWeb deals for ‘4G everywhere’

OneWeb deals for ‘4G everywhere’

Business news |
By Nick Flaherty



French-owned satellite operator OneWeb has signed two deals to boost 4G coverage in rural areas as its terminal rolls off the production line.

The company signed a deal at Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2023 in Barcelona this week with Dutch operator Veon which is owned by Telenor of Norway and Altima of Russia.

Veon operating companies serve geographies with over 500m people, which can use the OneWeb services for ‘4G for all’. OneWeb has launched 544 satellites into orbit so far, 80 per cent of its satellite constellation, which will deliver global coverage when completed in 2023. It was previously owned by the UK government and an Indian telecoms giant who rescued it from bankruptcy.

The satellite services work with mobile communication infrastructure to enable satellite backhaul to be integrated into mobile networks. OneWeb additionally enables operators to expand 3G, 4G, LTE, and 5G networks into underserved or unconnected communities, particularly those in hard-to-reach places.

“We have always stated that our focus is ‘4G for all’ and that mobile communication is an essential service. Our partnership with OneWeb enables us to ensure that the continuity of this essential service can be secured everywhere, providing access to seamless connectivity and digital services, supporting resilience, and enabling growth,” said Kaan Terzioglu, CEO of VEON Group.

“We are excited to explore the possibilities this partnership will bring, from emergency connectivity in disaster response to enabling economic activity in remote regions, and to serving rural areas with mobile education, healthcare and financial services, complementing terrestrial connectivity.”

Neil Masterson, CEO of OneWeb, added: “OneWeb and VEON have a shared mission: to expand reliable, affordable and high-speed connectivity services to the places that need it most. With this partnership we can support the development of telecoms and digital infrastructure in emerging markets, working with VEON to ensure the essential roll-out of mobile connectivity. We look forward to capitalising on the potential that this partnership has for the customers and communities we serve, while ensuring that OneWeb remains the partner of choice for telco operators globally.”

OneWeb has also been in trials with UK operator BT to test satellite backhaul links for 4G phones masts in hard to reach areas. This avoids the need for microwave point to point links back to the core network and allows 4G basestations to be installed in more remote areas for rural communities and emergency responders. BT is also trialling a self-powering mast using sustainable energy in the Elan Valley in Wales with 90% of the power sourced from solar and wind. Trials at 20 other sites are testing biofuels like Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO), Biogas and Hydrogen in network generators to provide power in areas that are not connected to the electricity grid.

The basestations will use a flat panel terminal being produced by Kymeta in the US, where production started this week.

www.oneweb.net

 

 

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