Eutelsat Expands OneWeb Satellite Network
Eutelsat has taken a major step toward upgrading Europe’s largest internet satellite network by contracting Airbus Defence and Space for 340 additional OneWeb satellites. This expansion will fully replace the first-generation satellites and enhance hardware and software capabilities, supporting next-generation internet services. The move follows a December 2024 contract for 100 satellites and highlights Eutelsat’s commitment to strengthening its position in the global satellite internet market.
Project Costs and Scale
The total cost of the project is expected to reach $2.6 billion, reflecting the scale and complexity of maintaining a robust satellite constellation. By investing in new satellites, Eutelsat ensures the OneWeb network can meet growing demand from corporate and governmental users. The upgrades aim to improve connectivity speed, reliability, and service coverage across regions where terrestrial internet infrastructure is limited or unreliable.
OneWeb’s Role in European Connectivity
OneWeb is Europe’s largest satellite internet constellation operator, providing services primarily to businesses and government entities rather than individual consumers. With hundreds of satellites currently in orbit, OneWeb operates the world’s second-largest constellation, trailing only SpaceX’s Starlink. These recent contracts mark a crucial step for Eutelsat as it looks to secure a competitive edge in Europe’s satellite internet market.
Competing with Starlink and Global Rivals
While OneWeb is not yet a direct consumer-focused competitor to Starlink, its growing constellation positions it as a major player for institutional clients. Other global competitors, including China’s emerging satellite networks and Amazon’s Project Kuiper, are rapidly expanding, making timely upgrades essential. Eutelsat’s investment signals a strategic push to maintain leadership in satellite communications and support high-demand applications such as secure governmental networks and remote enterprise connectivity.
Technical Upgrades and Next-Generation Services
The new satellites will feature advanced technologies to enhance coverage, bandwidth, and network resilience. Upgrades to OneWeb’s software infrastructure will allow operators to manage traffic more efficiently, reduce latency, and provide faster internet speeds in previously underserved regions. This modernization aligns with broader industry trends emphasizing low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite deployments to deliver high-speed connectivity across the globe.
Strategic Implications for Eutelsat
By fully replacing its first-generation satellites, Eutelsat strengthens its competitive positioning against both regional and global rivals. The move is expected to attract new institutional clients and retain existing ones, who increasingly demand reliable, high-performance satellite internet services. Analysts view this as a necessary step for Europe to maintain autonomy in satellite communications while keeping pace with technological advancements in LEO networking.
With the OneWeb constellation nearing full modernization, Eutelsat is poised to deliver next-generation connectivity solutions that could rival Starlink’s capabilities for enterprise and government sectors. The combination of upgraded satellites, improved software, and expanded coverage cements Eutelsat’s vision of becoming a leading provider of high-speed, reliable satellite internet across Europe and beyond.
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