Oneweb and BT sign deal for rural broadband rollout

Oneweb and BT have signed and agreement to use satellites to boost broadband capacity and resilience in the most remote rural areas in the UK.

The two companies have reportedly signed a memorandum of understanding that will allow them to explore how satellite technology could be used to distribute internet services to rural areas that are too difficult or expensive to be reached via the traditional means of cable networks.

According to Oneweb, it aims to launch its first constellation of 648 low-orbit satellites by the end of 2022, although currently only 218 are in operation.

Commenting on the agreement, BT has stated that the deal is a major boost as it increases its efforts to delivery faster broadband across the UK.

In a statement, they added that the partnership could boost capacity, mobile resilience, backhaul and coverage in some of the country's most remote locations that are otherwise considered unreachable by full-fibre FTTP broadband services.

"It’s clear that greater partnership is needed, both with government and within industry, to ensure connectivity can reach every last corner of the country," said BT boss Philip Janse. "Our agreement with Oneweb is an important step to understanding how that goal could be achieved in the future."

Oneweb chief executive Neil Masterson added that the deal marks the start in a new era for telecoms infrastructure in Britain.

"This partnership is a huge sign of progress in the resilience and advancement of the overall telecom infrastructure in the UK," he said. "Oneweb’s network will be a vital means for bridging the last digital divides across the network and we are excited to be part of the solution with BT to expand the nation’s digital infrastructure."