Eutelsat and OneWeb combination heralds new era in space connectivity as world’s first GEO-LEO operator

Eutelsat Communications announced the completion of its all-share combination with OneWeb, the global low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite communications network, following the approval today at the Ordinary and Extraordinary General Meeting of Eutelsat shareholders. This combination forms the Eutelsat Group. The newly formed Eutelsat Group is strategically positioned to be a global leader in space communications. Eutelsat's powerful GEO fleet will combine network density and high throughput with the low latency and ubiquity of OneWeb's LEO constellation to offer customers global, fully integrated connectivity services.
Eutelsat and OneWeb combination heralds new era in space connectivity as world's first GEO-LEO operator
Image Credit: Eutelsat and OneWeb

PARIS, 28 SEPTEMBER 2023: Eutelsat Communications SA (Euronext Paris: ETL) (the “Company”), one of the world’s leading satellite operators, announced the completion of its all-share combination with OneWeb, the global low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite communications network, following the approval today at the Ordinary and Extraordinary General Meeting of Eutelsat shareholders. This combination forms the Eutelsat Group.


The Company remains headquartered in Paris. OneWeb will be a subsidiary operating commercially as Eutelsat OneWeb, with its center of operations remaining in London. The Company remains listed on the Euronext Paris Stock Exchange and has applied for standard listing on the London Stock Exchange.

The newly formed Eutelsat Group is strategically positioned to be a global leader in space communications. Eutelsat’s powerful GEO fleet will combine network density and high throughput with the low latency and ubiquity of OneWeb’s LEO constellation to offer customers global, fully integrated connectivity services. This combination confirms Eutelsat as a pioneer in the space industry and a leader in space technology innovation, showcasing its continuous commitment to pushing the boundaries of the satellite landscape.

With OneWeb’s network already active and set to be globally operational by the end of 2023, the combined GEO-LEO service will open up new markets and applications for customers, including Fixed Connectivity (Backhaul, Corporate networks), Government Services and Mobile Connectivity (Maritime and Inflight). Broadcast and video services will remain integral to Eutelsat Group’s business and continue to deliver unparalleled and innovative services for customers, including new IP native video services, at the convergence of broadband and broadcast.

The combined entity is expected to grow at a double-digit revenue CAGR over the medium to long term, reaching c. EUR2bn in 2027. Adjusted EBITDA for the combined entity is expected to grow at a double-digit CAGR over the same period, outpacing revenue growth.

Dominique D’Hinnin, Chairman of the Board of Directors, said: “This is an historic moment for the satellite industry. We are bringing together two businesses that are at the forefront of delivering integrated, seamless and reliable connectivity to customers worldwide.

“We will be moving fast to accelerate the growth of the combined business. With the support of strategic shareholders of both entities, we are confident of maximising financial performance and operational excellence, while capitalising on the high-return investment of next generation satellites.

“I would like to pay tribute to all colleagues who have ensured we can successfully deliver this combination. We are ready to provide connectivity and services that will support economic and social development globally as a trusted partner for multi-orbit connectivity.”

Sunil Bharti Mittal, Vice-President (Co-Chair) of the Board of Directors, commented: “This exciting combination will be transformative for communities and businesses worldwide, utilising the unique blend of GEO and LEO technologies. This is a major milestone for us, our partners, and the customers we serve. The business combines compelling strategy, technology, and talent to deliver across several markets and verticals and together we are well-positioned to deliver value for all our shareholders.

“Closing the digital divide is a critical mission for Eutelsat Group and the combination of these two businesses, which have each pursued this goal separately, accelerates our progress. I want to thank everyone who has made today possible. Because of the work of our colleagues, we have created a company which will bring connectivity to more people around the world and help close the digital divide.”

Eva Berneke, Chief Executive Officer, added: “Eutelsat Group is the only GEO-LEO operator in satellite communications that can offer a ubiquitous connectivity service. Global connectivity is an important and exciting challenge to deliver upon. We can address a wider range of customer requirements and provide hybrid connectivity services where they are required worldwide, all with industry leading resilience. As we continue our track record of innovation to develop future generations of satellite technology, we can unlock significant value both for customers and shareholders. The Eutelsat-OneWeb combination has given us the scale, financial strength, and business proposition to capitalise on the significant opportunity.”

Source: OneWeb Press releases


Recent Content

In Beyond Connectivity: The Telco to Techco Transformation, leaders from e&, KDDI, and MTN reveal how telecoms are evolving into technology-first, platform-driven companies. These digital pioneers are integrating AI, 5G, cloud, smart infrastructure, and fintech to unlock massive valueโ€”from AI-powered smart cities in Japan, to inclusive fintech platforms in Africa, and cloud-first enterprise solutions in the Middle East. This piece explores how telcos are reshaping their role in the digital economyโ€”building intelligent, scalable, and people-first tech ecosystems.
In Driving Europeโ€™s Digital Future, telecom leaders Margherita Della Valle (Vodafone), Christel Heydemann (Orange), and Tim Hรถttges (Deutsche Telekom) deliver a unified message: Europe must reform telecom regulation, invest in AI and infrastructure, and scale operations to remain globally competitive. From lagging 5G rollout to emerging AI-at-the-edge opportunities, they urge policymakers to embrace consolidation, cut red tape, and drive fair investment frameworks. Europeโ€™s path to digital sovereignty hinges on bold leadership, collaborative policy, and future-ready infrastructure.
The future of manufacturing is intelligent, autonomous, and sustainable. Powered by private 5G networks, AI, and digital twins, smart factories are revolutionizing how goods are produced and maintained. From predictive maintenance to immersive virtual twins and AI-optimized energy systems, smart manufacturing is unlocking new levels of efficiency and innovation across industriesโ€”from ports and shipyards to agriculture and healthcare.
Smart mobility is reshaping how the world moves, powered by 5G, AI, and edge computing. From autonomous vehicles and real-time logistics to AI-driven drones and connected public transport, intelligent transportation systems are redefining urban mobility, logistics, and industrial automation. As global investment and collaboration grow, the transportation industry is transforming into a $11.1 trillion smart ecosystem focused on sustainability, efficiency, and connectivity.
Satellite-mobile convergence is rapidly shifting from niche to mainstream, enabling global mobile coverage through Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN). With direct-to-device (D2D) standards now supported by 3GPP Releases 17โ€“19, traditional mobile phones can connect directly to satellites. This development has unlocked use cases in emergency response, smart agriculture, logistics, and IoTโ€”paving the way for a future where 6G, edge AI, and multi-orbit architectures redefine connectivity. Learn how telecoms, enterprises, and regulators are navigating the path to a fully connected planet.
Whitepaper
Explore how Generative AI is transforming telecom infrastructure by solving critical industry challenges like massive data management, network optimization, and personalized customer experiences. This whitepaper offers in-depth insights into AI and Gen AI's role in boosting operational efficiency while ensuring security and regulatory compliance. Telecom operators can harness these AI-driven...
Supermicro and Nvidia Logo
Whitepaper
The whitepaper, "How Is Generative AI Optimizing Operational Efficiency and Assurance," provides an in-depth exploration of how Generative AI is transforming the telecom industry. It highlights how AI-driven solutions enhance customer support, optimize network performance, and drive personalized marketing strategies. Additionally, the whitepaper addresses the challenges of integrating AI into...
RADCOM Logo
Article & Insights
Non-terrestrial networks (NTNs) have evolved from experimental satellite systems to integral components of global connectivity. The transition from geostationary satellites to low Earth orbit constellations has significantly enhanced mobile broadband services. With the adoption of 3GPP standards, NTNs now seamlessly integrate with terrestrial networks, providing expanded coverage and new opportunities,...

Download Magazine

With Subscription

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Scroll to Top