OneWeb launches the first batch of satellites that provide global broadband internet connectivity

The internet is an excellent commodity for underprivileged regions to come on track for self-upliftment. The connectivity it provides can be an excellent learning tool for those who cannot afford school or higher education. Providing reliable internet access is touted by many philanthropic organizations to be an important step towards improving the lives of the less fortunate. Various aerospace corporations are planning to launch a number of satellites that can envelop the globe in a giant network of broadband internet connectivity. OneWeb seems to be at the forefront of this race for global connectivity.

The company aims to launch 900 satellites into low Earth orbit with which it would be able to provide affordable internet anywhere on the globe, provided there are base stations in those places. OneWeb is now ready to launch the first of its satellites onboard the Russian Soyuz launch vehicles. Each of those rockets can carry about 30 of the satellites on a single launch. It goes without saying that a project as ambitious as this requires investments from the biggest names in venture capitalism. Investors in OneWeb include SoftBank, Virgin Group, Coca-Cola, Bharti Group, Airbus and Qualcomm. SoftBank has pumped in a staggering $1 billion and plans to continue investing, along with other venture capitalists.

OneWeb’s ambitious project had run into several delays which prevented it from achieving its target by the end of 2019. However, it has moved its timetable to 2021.