BT has signed a Distribution Partner Agreement with OneWeb, under which the Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite operator will provide connectivity services across the BT Group.
This agreement formalizes and expands on a Memorandum of Understanding the two companies announced in July, in which OneWeb committed to helping BT address remaining digital divides across the UK.
BT says satellite services are a central element of its strategy to deliver digital solutions across the UK by 2028, ensuring connectivity for communities and businesses even in hard-to-reach locations.
Philip Jansen, Chief Executive of BT Group, said:
“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.
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.
Last year the UK Government and the Bharti Group acquired a majority stake in OneWeb to rescue the company after it faced collapse when funding was withdrawn amid the pandemic.
Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng commented: “I am thrilled to see the UK at the forefront of this emerging technology thanks to the Government’s investment in OneWeb — a crucial part of our plans to cement our status as a global science and technology superpower.”
OneWeb has continued to strengthen its position. In January it secured $400 million from SoftBank and Hughes Network Group, and in April GEO satellite operator Eutelsat acquired a 25% stake in the company.
Digital Secretary Nadine Dorries added: “The agreement between OneWeb and BT will help bring fast and reliable global connectivity, from the Highlands to the Himalayas.
I’m delighted these two British companies have joined forces to research the technological benefits of working together, and I look forward to exploring how this could play a role in our mission to put hard-to-reach areas in the digital fast lane.”
As two UK-based partners, BT and OneWeb will support the UK Government’s National Space Strategy.
OneWeb aims to achieve global coverage by June 2022 with a planned constellation of 648 LEO satellites. The company expects to provide services from the North Pole down to the 50th parallel — covering the entire UK — later in the year.
(Image Credit: OneWeb)
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