BT and OneWeb Sign Deal to Improve Rural Connectivity

BT Chief Executive Philip Jansen: Photo: BT

OneWeb is about to get more involved in the broadband space in the United Kingdom. The operator signed an MoU with BT, to explore the provision of improved digital communication services to some of the hardest to reach parts of the UK. This is a very innovative deal between one of the world’s biggest telcos and a satellite player.

The collaboration will aim to see how satellite technology can support improved capacity, mobile resilience, backhaul and coverage, including Fixed Wireless Access, in challenging geographic locations, as BT explores new options to enhance rural connectivity. As part of the discussions, the companies will consider opportunities to deliver OneWeb’s connectivity services from Low Earth Orbit to businesses and communities around the UK, as well as identifying collaboration opportunities to develop new services beyond UK’s shores for BT’s global customers.

“Our ambitious full fiber and mobile commitments have put BT at the forefront of efforts to expand digital connectivity across the UK. It’s clear that greater partnership is needed, both with Government and within industry, to ensure connectivity can reach every last corner of the country. Our agreement with OneWeb is an important step to understanding how that goal could be achieved in the future,” Philip Jansen, Chief Executive, BT, said in a statement.