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OneWeb, a space start-up that recently launched its first "constellation" of micro-satellites to provide broadband access around the world, has raised $ 1.25 billion to launch mbad production of its satellites and capitalize on what she calls "the first-mover advantage".
SoftBank, Qualcomm, Grupo Salinas and the Rwandan government have led the gigantic injection of funds. The total of its funds was raised to $ 3.4 billion, including the previous $ 1.2 billion investment made more than two years ago.
Internet from the space
Founded in London in 2012, OneWeb is one of many startups that plan to provide affordable broadband Internet access to more people around the world by deploying hundreds of satellites in low Earth orbit. The infrastructure will not only help mobile operators and Internet Service Providers (ISPs) extend coverage to previously hard-to-reach areas, but will also provide permanent coverage during natural disasters and contribute to food new technologies that are emerging. .
Other players in this area include LeoSat, based in Luxembourg, and Elon Musk's well-funded SpaceX, which focused on the development of rocket technology, but is also known for working on a business. satellite internet similar to OneWeb. However, OneWeb launched its first six satellites last month and hopes that the first operational network in place will allow it to gain ground as the demand for low latency network capacity increases – this will support 5G, the internet of things (IoT), and autonomous cars.
"OneWeb has extended its first-mover advantage and is poised to become the world's largest and truly global communications network," said Marcelo Claure, Managing Director of SoftBank Group. "At SoftBank, our goal is to invest in transforming companies at the forefront of technology disruption. The potential of OneWeb is undeniable as the growth of data from 5G, IoT, autonomous driving and other new technologies is driving demand for capacity beyond the limits of existing infrastructure. "
Expensive
The launch of satellites is an expensive undertaking. That's why OneWeb funding cycles are as important as they are. The company is developing its satellites through a partnership with Airbus, which is also an investor, and is expected to begin doubling its production efforts over the next few months at a new manufacturing facility in Florida. In the 4th quarter of 2019, OneWeb announced its intention to launch monthly launches of about 30 satellites at a time, which will lead to its first constellation of 650 satellites covering the world by 2021. is expected to add new satellites to the mix as demand grows.
"We are committed to bridging the digital divide and this funding allows us to realize our shared dream around the world," said OneWeb founder and president Greg Wyler. "We look forward to continuing our work with many supportive, forward-looking governments, ISPs, and telecom operators to help expand the reach of connectivity to connect people around the world."
In addition to building additional capacity in developed markets, OneWeb's list of investors reveals that one of its primary goals will be to offer Internet coverage in places that are not yet connected. Grupo Salinas is a conglomerate of a number of Mexican companies, one of which includes FAI Telecosmo.
"I have been working for more than 20 years to provide network access to people across Mexico and Latin America, and I have seen the power of connectivity to change and improve lives," added the President and founder of Grupo Salinas, Ricardo Salinas. "OneWeb will have the ability to reach places where it was impossible to connect before."
This is part of a growing trend seen elsewhere, such as Facebook, which recently announced a partnership with Viasat, aimed at setting up satellite Wi-Fi access points in rural communities, starting with Mexico.
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