OneWeb Satellite Network

While the frequency bands and latencies used are fairly similar, the key distinction between OneWeb and Starlink is the markets served. Starlink was founded to provide service to everyone – consumers, businesses, and government. Whereas OneWeb is focused on providing high-speed satellite services to private businesses and government agencies. This major difference in philosophies should materialize in lower cost, higher contended Starlink plans, and slightly higher cost, more predictable network performance on OneWeb.

Additional factors come into play, such as hardware CAPEX, hardware partners, and network options/security. Starlink controls the entire ecosystem, from hardware to customer support (which is very limited). OneWeb partners with traditional satellite antenna manufacturers to deliver a variety of form factors and performance levels. OneWeb has also established a service partner network that will allow businesses and governments more control over their OneWeb traffic and security. This not only creates more options for plans and pricing but also allows companies like Ground Control to have control over your traffic and be a direct line of technical support. Starlink handles all technical support and has little to no pre-sales consultant. OneWeb offerings will be made by companies that are designed to assist from start to finish, while Starlink’s conveyor belt service design has little to no availability for direct contact at the time of sale or when requiring technical support.

OneWeb is not a consumer network and cannot compete with Starlink at that level. But if you are a business or government agency looking for low latency, high-speed satellite internet service, OneWeb is a great option. To discuss your specific requirements email sales@groundcontrol.com and one of Ground Control’s expert team will get in touch.

OneWeb utilizes a network of 648 satellites 1,200km above, in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) to handle data transmission. Orchestrated within 12 carefully synchronised orbital planes, OneWeb satellites connect to both user terminals e.g. the Kymeta u8 LEO, and the ground network to deliver near real-time connectivity from anywhere on the globe.

Data rates and volume vary based on the selected terminal, but OneWeb’s service can achieve data download speeds of up to 150Mbps with latency as low as 70 milliseconds. For more detail, please see our OneWeb coverage page.

OneWeb successfully completed their first launch programme earlier this year, increasing their total satellite count to 648. Coverage for the LEO service now spans an additional 37 European countries including Austria and France, North America’s Western and Northeastern coasts and the expansive Midwest. This expansion has also had a significant impact on OneWeb’s service availability across Canada and numerous maritime regions.

As OneWeb is an enterprise-grade constellation, users do not suffer issues associated with congestion. In addition, OneWeb has met International Telecommunications Union (ITU) requirements to secure global priority spectrum rights, so customers and partners leveraging this service can expect reliable, fast connectivity, anywhere, anytime.

Through OneWeb’s service partner network, Ground Control can control your OneWeb traffic, meaning we can be a direct line of technical support. With offices in Nevada US and Hampshire and Gloucester UK, our experienced support teams can offer almost around-the-clock customer care through a variety of channels, including email, phone, and live chat, ensuring you can access the help you need, when you need it.

OneWeb’s LEO service is remarkably cost-effective. A testament to innovation, OneWeb’s satellites only require around 1/50th of the time and resources traditionally needed for satellite manufacturing. Increased competition within the satellite communications industry and Low Earth Orbit (LEO) deployment of the constellation, also help reduce overall costs. Moreover, integrated cellular connectivity options can further enhance customer cost-efficiency.

Factors including location, data consumption requirements and frequency of data delivery will all impact overall connectivity costs. In addition, we’d always recommend customers continually review their satellite airtime plans to ensure usage and charges are aligned with current requirements – ensuring you’re on the right plan for your needs can have a significant impact.

For anyone who isn’t sure where to start or would like to discuss their requirements, contact us at sales@groundcontrol.com, and one of the team will be able to provide no obligation guidance.