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 BT’s customers across the globe," said Philip Jansen, Chief Executive of BT Group.
"We will put OneWeb’s 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 satellite’s advantage," said OneWeb’s 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. OneWeb’s connectivity platform will help bridge the last digital divides across the country and enhance the nation’s digital infrastructure.”
These are the best business broadband deals around today
