World’s largest satellite constellation to provide global Internet access

After Google and Facebook’s attempt at high-speed global Internet access, Virgin Galactic and OneWeb Ltd together are now working on world’s largest ever satellite constellation. The project intends to make high speed internet and telephony available to over a billion of people who still don’t have an access to it.

OneWeb Ltd will build, launch and operate the satellite, while Virgin Galactic, with its LauncherOne programme, will help make it possible with frequent satellite launches at a much lower cost.

Image Credit: OneWeb Ltd

Exciting news: creating the world's largest satellite constellation, making high speed internet available to billions http://virg.on/wls

A video posted by Richard Branson (@richardbranson) on Jan 15, 2015 at 5:37am PST

According to a report on Business Wire, the programme aims at providing coverage to rural and remote areas, which historically has not been economically feasible to connect using terrestrial networks. The OneWeb plans to work with the local operators to provide the access via a Wi-Fi, LTE, 3G or 2G connection using an operator partner’s licensed spectrum, or only LTE or WiFi on unlicensed spectrum.

Image Credit: Virgin Galactic

Additionally, OneWeb aims to provide users terminals that are self-installable, enabling coverage in these areas for any nearby phone, computer or tablet. OneWeb’s network would also be able to provide global emergency and first responder access for disaster situations, refugee camps or other areas in need.