OneWeb to Deliver Remote Community Broadband in Trials for UK Government Connectivity Programme

OneWeb’s high-speed, low latency LEO network will deliver connectivity for trials through its partners BT and Clarus.
OneWeb to Deliver Remote Community Broadband in Trials for UK Government Connectivity Programme
Image Credit: OneWeb

White City, London – 11 April 2023: OneWeb, the low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite communications company, announced today that it has been selected for two trials to connect remote communities for the UK government’s Very Hard to Reach Premises connectivity programme, which aims to connect the UK’s most remote homes and businesses


As part of the programme, OneWeb’s high-speed, low latency LEO network will deliver connectivity for trials through its partners BT and Clarus. Trials will take place in the Shetland Islands and on Lundy Island, near the north Devon coast. These trials build on OneWeb’s strong track-record of delivering community broadband to sites in remote locations such as Canada, Greenland, and soon to British territories in the South Atlantic.

Michelle Donelan MP, Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, said:

“Our Wireless Infrastructure Strategy sets out our plan to ensure everyone, no matter where they live, can reap the benefits of improved connectivity. With the help of companies like OneWeb, we are committing ?8m to provide satellite connectivity for our most remote communities so that no one is left behind, while ensuring all populated areas in the UK will be served by what I call ‘5G-plus’ technology by 2030.”

“This package of measures turbocharges our progress towards becoming a science and tech superpower with a substantial initial investment in the future of telecoms.”

Neil Masterson, CEO OneWeb, said: “We are excited to demonstrate the impact of LEO connectivity through these trials. From the beginning, OneWeb’s mission has been to bridge the digital divide for communities, but there are still countries around the world where reliable access to connectivity is unattainable. Working with the government, alongside our trusted partners and customers, OneWeb can help to bring connectivity to the communities and businesses that need it most, in underserved regions in the UK and around the world.”

Having recently completed its 18th launch, OneWeb now has a constellation of 618 LEO satellites, enabling the roll-out of global coverage later this year. This enhances OneWeb’s existing connectivity solutions, which are already live in regions north of 50-degrees latitude and delivering connectivity to previously unconnected and underconnected communities, businesses and local governments.

OneWeb has 400 staff today based in the UK, the majority of which are in STEM roles, making a significant contribution to the upskilling of the UK economy and building a new industry in the UK.

Source: Press releases Read More


Recent Content

5G Advanced and AI are reshaping utility private networks into hyper-intelligent, resilient grids. Learn how edge AI, programmable networks, digital twins, and human-in-the-loop automation will enable predictive maintenance, real-time grid optimization, and new energy services.
Cybersecurity is now a core pillar of utility private networks. Explore how Zero Trust Architecture helps utilities secure SCADA systems, protect distributed energy assets, and comply with NERC CIP standards, keeping critical infrastructure safe in a hybrid IT/OT world.
Utilities are turning private LTE and 5G networks into revenue engines with monetization and shared use models. Learn how Fixed Wireless Access, neutral host strategies, mobile wholesale partnerships, and edge services help utilities bridge the digital divide, support local economies, and generate ROI from advanced network investments.
Private LTE and 5G networks enable utilities to achieve sustainability and ESG goals by supporting clean energy, climate resilience, safer field operations, and transparent ESG reporting. Discover how utilities are using private networks to lower emissions, integrate renewables, and protect communities.
As utilities expand private LTE and 5G networks, strong partner ecosystems and managed services help balance performance, compliance, and cost. Explore how orchestration, governance frameworks, and co-managed models enable utilities to scale smarter and faster.
Whitepaper
Telecom networks are facing unprecedented complexity with 5G, IoT, and cloud services. Traditional service assurance methods are becoming obsolete, making AI-driven, real-time analytics essential for competitive advantage. This independent industry whitepaper explores how DPUs, GPUs, and Generative AI (GenAI) are enabling predictive automation, reducing operational costs, and improving service quality....
Whitepaper
Explore the collaboration between Purdue Research Foundation, Purdue University, Ericsson, and Saab at the Aviation Innovation Hub. Discover how private 5G networks, real-time analytics, and sustainable innovations are shaping the "Airport of the Future" for a smarter, safer, and greener aviation industry....
Article & Insights
This article explores the deployment of 5G NR Transparent Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTNs), detailing the architecture's advantages and challenges. It highlights how this "bent-pipe" NTN approach integrates ground-based gNodeB components with NGSO satellite constellations to expand global connectivity. Key challenges like moving beam management, interference mitigation, and latency are discussed, underscoring...

Download Magazine

With Subscription

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Scroll to Top

Private Network Readiness Assessment

Run your readiness check now — for enterprises, operators, OEMs & SIs planning and delivering Private 5G solutions with confidence.