UK-based micro-satellite builder OneWeb has raised $500m to fund its development of satellite-based systems for providing broadband communications and driving the roll-out of the IoT.
OneWeb has also acquired 65 rockets including 21 Soyuz launch orders from Arianespace and 39 launches from Virgin Galactic’s LauncherOne.
Greg Wyler, founder of OneWeb said:
“The dream of fully bridging the digital divide is on track to be a reality in 2019.”
“We are committed to solving one of the world’s biggest problems – enabling affordable broadband Internet access for everyone.”
OneWeb has attracted investment from firms including Airbus, Bharti Enterprises, Hughes Network Systems, Intelsat, Qualcomm, Coca-Cola and Virgin Group.
Sir Richard Branson, founder of the Virgin Group commented:
“Our vision is to make the Internet affordable for everyone, connecting remote areas to rest of the world and helping to raise living standards and prosperity in some of the poorest regions today. We believe that OneWeb, together with Virgin Galactic’s LauncherOne satellite launch system, has the capability to make this a reality.”
OneWeb is also developing solar-powered user terminals which will provide LTE, 3G, 2G and Wi-fi access capabilities.
The network is also inter-operable with Intelsat’s fleet of Ku-band satellites.
OneWeb has a joint venture with Airbus Defence and Space to design and manufacture its first 900 microsatellites.
Tom Enders, CEO of Airbus Group said:
“We’re very excited to be part of OneWeb’s endeavor to provide global Internet access for everybody, everywhere. Whether at some remote place on earth or flying high on an Airbus aircraft, you’ll be connected: a grand proposition for mankind and a sound business opportunity for us! We are committed to giving our full industrial and space expertise to this mission.”
Sunil Bharti Mittal, Founder and Chairman of Bharti Enterprises and Tom Enders, CEO of Airbus Group, will be joining Sir Richard Branson, founder of the Virgin Group, Dr. Paul Jacobs, Executive Chairman of Qualcomm Incorporated, and Greg Wyler, founder of OneWeb, on the Board of Directors.
Sunil Bharti Mittal, Chairman of Bharti Enterprises commented:
“Access to affordable high-speed Internet is a powerful tool for economic development and empowerment of populations, particularly, in emerging economies. OneWeb is an innovative platform backed by leading global corporations and will complement the efforts of Governments and telecom operators across the globe to take Internet to the masses.”
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