Amsterdam-based multinational network operator VEON and Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite communications company OneWeb have announced a partnership to provide extended mobile internet connectivity and digital services in emerging markets. OneWeb’s LEO network has substantive capabilities to deliver high speed, low-latency connectivity to governments, businesses and communities, with 544 satellites in orbit to date, or 80% of its planned constellation which will deliver global coverage when completed later in 2023. OneWeb enables satellite backhaul to be integrated into mobile networks and supports operators expansion of 3G, 4G and 5G networks into underserved or unconnected communities, particularly those in hard-to-reach places.
Kaan Terzioglu, CEO of VEON, said: ‘We are excited to explore the possibilities this partnership will bring, from emergency connectivity in disaster response to enabling economic activity in remote regions, and to serving rural areas with mobile education, healthcare and financial services, complementing terrestrial connectivity.’