Overview
OneWeb is a LEO broadband constellation operated by the Eutelsat Group, providing high-speed, low-latency internet connectivity worldwide. The constellation consists of 648 satellites manufactured by Airbus Defence and Space, operating in 12 orbital planes at approximately 1,200 km altitude with near-polar inclination (~87°). OneWeb is the only fully operational Western LEO broadband network besides Starlink, and ranks as the second largest commercial satellite fleet in orbit.
History & Eutelsat Merger
Founded in 2012 by Greg Wyler, OneWeb entered bankruptcy in March 2020 — a casualty of COVID-19 and the capital-intensive nature of mega-constellation deployment. The company was rescued by the UK Government and Bharti Global, each investing $500 million. Eutelsat completed a merger with OneWeb in September 2023, creating the world's first combined GEO-LEO satellite operator. The first-generation constellation was completed with 648 satellites by late 2023.
Constellation Architecture
OneWeb's 648 satellites orbit in 12 planes at 87.9° inclination, providing truly global coverage including the polar regions — a key differentiator from Starlink's primary shells which initially focused on mid-latitudes. Each satellite weighs approximately 150 kg and communicates in Ku-band with user terminals and Ka-band with ground gateways. The 1,200 km altitude is higher than Starlink's 480–550 km, resulting in slightly higher latency but requiring fewer satellites for global coverage. Track the constellation live on our OneWeb Tracker.
Next-Generation Satellites
Eutelsat has ordered 440 next-generation satellites from Airbus — 100 in December 2024 plus 340 in January 2026. These replacement satellites will feature 5G integration, higher throughput, and compatibility with the EU's IRIS² sovereign connectivity programme. Deliveries begin from late 2026 to replace first-generation satellites approaching their 5–7 year design life. The next-gen constellation will also integrate with Eutelsat's existing GEO fleet, enabling seamless multi-orbit connectivity.
Market Position
Unlike Starlink's consumer-focused approach, OneWeb targets the B2B market: maritime connectivity, aviation, government/defence, mobile backhaul, and enterprise. Its higher altitude and near-polar orbit provide particularly strong coverage at high latitudes, making it well-suited for Arctic shipping routes, oil and gas platforms, and military operations in polar regions. OneWeb competes with SES O3b mPOWER and Viasat for enterprise customers, while Amazon Leo represents a future competitive threat.