SoftBank and OneWeb have signed a distribution partnership to introduce advanced satellite communication services across Japan.
The partnership centers on OneWeb’s Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite services, which offer faster communication and lower latency by operating closer to the planet than traditional satellites. These characteristics make LEO systems well suited to applications that require swift, reliable connectivity.
By integrating OneWeb’s LEO capabilities with SoftBank’s closed-domain connection services, the alliance aims to strengthen network security while ensuring customers receive the performance they need. The agreement includes a bandwidth guarantee to provide consistent speed and stability for users.
SoftBank is developing new service offerings to make the most of this collaboration. Key efforts include tailoring network solutions for enterprise customers and delivering a unified, end-to-end experience that covers terminals, devices, and comprehensive customer support.
OneWeb’s satellite services are intended to close coverage gaps where conventional mobile networks are unreliable or unavailable—such as remote mountainous regions and areas affected by natural disasters—providing vital connectivity when it matters most.
SoftBank’s broader objective is to enable seamless communication everywhere in Japan by building a layered Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) ecosystem.
This approach combines space-based assets like OneWeb’s LEO satellites with High Altitude Platform Stations (HAPS) in the stratosphere and terrestrial mobile networks. The integrated system is designed to create what SoftBank calls a truly “ubiquitous network.”
Takenori Kobayashi, Vice President and Head of the Product Technology Division at SoftBank, commented on the collaboration:
“We are thrilled to continue our partnership with OneWeb, a pioneer in low Earth orbit satellite communications. This collaboration will offer customers high-speed, low-latency connectivity solutions in remote and underserved areas in Japan. We look forward to working closely with OneWeb to provide exceptional service and expand the reach of our growing ubiquitous network throughout the region.”
Stephen Beynon, Chief Commercial Officer at OneWeb, shared his enthusiasm as well:
“We are excited to extend OneWeb’s low-latency, high-performance satellite connectivity to SoftBank in its quest to connect Japan through its ubiquitous network. We thank SoftBank for their continued support and partnership and look forward to adding new reach, resiliency, and capabilities to Japan’s communications landscape.”
As the demand for dependable, ubiquitous connectivity grows, the SoftBank–OneWeb partnership aims to reshape Japan’s communications landscape by bringing reliable service to even the most remote locations.
(Image Credit: OneWeb)
See also: Vodafone to use Amazon’s LEO satellite network to extend 4G/5G
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