OneWeb Satellite Broadband Review

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Satellite broadband networks deliver fast and reliable internet services. Before now, these services were out of the reach of consumers. But with companies like OneWeb coming into the picture, everyone can enjoy cheap and fast Internet connection, even in the remotest areas. 

In this OneWeb Satellite Broadband Review, we cover everything you need to know regarding its services to help you make informed decisions. 

What Is OneWeb Satellite Broadband?

OneWeb satellite broadband is a satellite-based internet service that aims to provide global broadband connectivity. It's developed by OneWeb, a company that focuses on building low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite networks to deliver high-speed internet access to users around the globe.

The London-based company aims to provide reliable internet access to remote regions, rural communities, maritime vessels, and aircraft, among other use cases.

Its technology has the potential to enable various applications. OneWeb's satellite Internet can make room for remote education, telemedicine, e-commerce, and IoT (Internet of Things) connectivity. This contributes to a more inclusive digital future.

How Does the OneWeb Satellite Broadband Work?

The OneWeb satellite constellation consists of over a thousand small satellites in low Earth orbit, typically around 1,200 kilometres (750 miles) above the Earth's surface. These satellites work together to create a global network that transmits and receives internet data.

A ground-based infrastructure with satellite links makes connectivity possible from Earth. You can access the Internet through small user terminals installed at your premises. These user terminals communicate with the OneWeb satellites overhead, establishing a two-way data connection.

The satellites in the OneWeb constellation form a mesh network so they can route data signals between satellites. 

This design helps to overcome the latency challenges and enables efficient data transfer across the network. 

When Was OneWeb Satellite Launched?

OneWeb has launched multiple batches of satellites. The first launch of OneWeb satellites took place on February 27, 2019. The company sent six satellites into orbit on a Soyuz rocket from the Guiana Space Centre in Kourou, French Guiana.

After that, OneWeb launched over 20 batches of satellites, including its recent launch in May 2023. These launches aimed to deploy multiple satellites and gradually build up the OneWeb Gen1 constellation.

Where Is OneWeb Satellite Available?

While OneWeb satellite aims to provide global remote Internet access, its solution is still limited. Land access is only available for countries within the Northern hemisphere.

You can get OneWeb satellite Internet service if you live in countries within 50°N, like the UK, Ireland, Iceland, Greenland, and most North European regions.

Why You Should Use OneWeb Satellite Broadband 

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OneWeb remote Internet offers several benefits, from faster connectivity to flexibility. Here are some of its benefits: 

Global Coverage

The first goal of a satellite network is to bridge the gap in global coverage, and OneWeb satellite broadband offers this. It provides Internet access to areas under-served or unserved by traditional terrestrial infrastructure.

If you live or work in a remote location or area with limited internet access options, OneWeb satellite broadband can offer connectivity where other options are unavailable or unreliable.

High-Speed Internet

OneWeb's satellite constellation delivers high-speed internet access of up to 150 Mbps download speed. This makes it as fast as other satellites, like ViaSat and StarLink broadband. 

While specific speeds may vary based on network congestion, user demand, and your chosen plan, OneWeb provides relatively faster speeds than some traditional Internet providers. 

Low Latency

The low Earth orbit satellites design OneWeb uses helps reduce its latency to less than 70ms 

Compared to traditional geostationary satellite internet systems, this lower latency can improve the performance of real-time applications like video conferencing.

Flexibility

OneWeb's satellite broadband service can cater to mobile applications. Maritime vessels, aircraft, and other mobile platforms can get reliable internet access while on the move. 

This flexibility can be best for maritime, aviation, and emergency response, enabling connectivity in remote or challenging environments.

Why You May Not Consider Using OneWeb Satellite Broadband 

While OneWeb satellite broadband has its advantages, here are some potential drawbacks to consider:

Cost

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Satellite broadband services, like OneWeb, can be more expensive than traditional terrestrial internet options. The initial setup costs for equipment, such as satellite dishes and user terminals, can be significant. Also, its ongoing subscription fees are higher than those for wired connections.

Limited Data Caps

OneWeb Satellite broadband often comes with data caps or usage restrictions. Due to the limited capacity of its satellite networks, it imposes these data limits to manage network congestion and ensure fair usage among subscribers. 

Your internet speeds may be significantly reduced, or additional charges may apply if you exceed your data cap.

Weather Dependencies

Inclement weather conditions are one of the many drawbacks of using remote Internet, and OneWeb doesn't have a solution yet. Adverse weather conditions such as heavy rain, snow, or storms can potentially cause signal interruptions.

Line-of-Sight Requirement

Satellite broadband connections like OneWeb require a clear line of sight between the user terminal and the satellite in the sky to ensure optimal performance. Obstructions like tall buildings, trees, or geographical features can obstruct the signal and affect the connection quality. 

You may experience challenges using OneWeb if you live in densely populated urban areas or areas with significant physical barriers.

Installation and Maintenance

Setting up and maintaining OneWeb satellite broadband systems can be more complex than traditional wired connections. You may require a professional to handle the installation. 

You’ll also need a professional for periodic maintenance and adjustments to the equipment. All these contribute to making it a more expensive option. 

OneWeb Satellite Pricing and Plans

Since OneWeb doesn't serve the public audience directly, there's no official information regarding the cost of its service. Telecom providers have the flexibility to set prices based on their estimation models. 

However, the price range for an unlimited plan will be between $12 to $30 per month. This makes it one of the cheapest broadband providers.

How to Get OneWeb Satellite Broadband 

OneWeb's satellite broadband service doesn’t deliver commercially to the general public. Unlike other internet service providers, it offers services directly to telecommunication companies, military organisations, and government bodies. 

To access OneWeb commercially, you can get it from your local telecom providers or distribution partners. Some popular distribution partners on OneWeb are Airbus, AT&T, AST, ATS, Panasonic, Q-KON Africa, etc. 

OneWeb Satellite Broadband vs. Starlink 

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OneWeb Satellite Broadband and StarLink are two prominent satellite-based broadband services that provide global internet connectivity. Here's a comparison between them:

Coverage

OneWeb's coverage is still limited to European and Asian countries. While they focus on reaching under-served areas, the project is still in the developmental phase. 

Starlink, developed by SpaceX, also aims for global coverage. However, they've made significant progress in its deployment. Its service is available in most parts of the world, including Africa.

Satellite Constellation

OneWeb's satellite constellation is designed as a mesh network with over 74 functional broadband satellites operating in the LEO. 

The StarLink satellite constellation is similar to OneWeb; it operates in the LEO. But it has over 358 satellites in satellites.

Speed and Performance

Both OneWeb and StarLink have good speed compared to traditional ISPs, but StarLink offers faster Internet. 

StarLink internet speed is estimated at 50-200 Mbps download speed and 5-10 Mbps upload speed. OneWeb, however, stays at a peak download speed of 150 Mbps and 20 Mbps for uploads. 

Latency and Delay

The fact that OneWeb and StarLink operate within the LEO reduces their latency. But StarLink's latency stays lower, within 20 ms to 30 ms, while OneWeb has a latency of over 70 ms. This is due to the difference in the number of operational constellation satellites. 

Equipment and Installation

OneWeb doesn't serve direct consumers, so its technological requirements are not specific to users. It utilises user terminals or satellite dishes for connectivity that requires professional handling. 

StarLink provides users with a phased-array antenna called a "Dishy McFlatface." It doesn't require any professional experience to install it. After installation, the dish automatically aligns itself with the satellites for connectivity.

Is OneWeb Satellite Broadband Worth It?

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You might want to waive this option because OneWeb Satellite is still developing and doesn't offer direct-to-consumer services. But looking on the brighter side, OneWeb aims to provide affordable and reliable remote Internet connections. 

It also has several distribution partners from various local telecom operators, so transiting to satellite broadband might not be difficult. With all of these, OneWeb might be worth trying.

Conclusion

Most satellite broadband services aren't cheap. You pay at least $100 for unlimited packages. However, you can get a similar service delivery for less using OneWeb satellite broadband. 

While it's unavailable in many areas, you can ask your telecom provider when it'll be available. Or, check using OneWeb's official site for updates.