Regulatory delays in India have caused Eutelsat to experience a setback in their goal of reaching 90% of the world with their OneWeb low Earth orbit broadband constellation by summer. As a result, the French satellite operator announced on May 14th that their coverage target has been delayed due to unexpected hold-ups from the Indian regulatory authorities.
The OneWeb project, which aims to provide affordable and high-speed internet access to remote and underserved areas, has been making great strides since its launch in 2014. With the support of prominent investors such as SoftBank and Airbus, OneWeb has successfully launched 74 satellites into orbit and has plans to launch hundreds more in the coming months.
However, despite the project’s impressive progress, the recent regulatory delays in India have caused a considerable setback for OneWeb’s coverage target. The company had initially planned to have 648 satellites in orbit by the end of 2022, with a goal of reaching 90% of the world by this summer. But due to the delays in obtaining necessary approvals from the Indian authorities, OneWeb is now facing a delay in their timeline.
The Indian market is a crucial element in OneWeb’s global coverage strategy. With a population of over 1.3 billion and a rapidly growing demand for internet services, India represents a significant opportunity for the company. However, the regulatory delays have hindered OneWeb’s ability to tap into this potential market and provide much-needed connectivity to its population.
Despite the setback, Eutelsat remains committed to its goal of reaching 90% of the world with OneWeb’s low Earth orbit broadband constellation. The company is working closely with the Indian authorities to resolve the regulatory issues and ensure a smooth and timely launch of its satellites in the Indian airspace.
In a statement, Eutelsat CEO Rodolphe Belmer said, “We are confident that the Indian regulatory authorities will soon provide the necessary approvals for OneWeb’s operations in their airspace. We are committed to working closely with them to ensure a successful launch and operation of our constellation in India.”
The delay in reaching the 90% coverage target is a significant blow to OneWeb’s ambitious plans, but it is by no means a roadblock. The company has a robust strategy in place to overcome these challenges and continue making progress towards its goal. With additional funding from SoftBank and other investors, OneWeb has the financial resources to navigate through these regulatory hurdles and stay on track.
Moreover, the delay has also provided OneWeb with an opportunity to further refine its technology and services. The company is constantly innovating and improving its satellite technology to provide faster and more reliable connectivity to its customers. The additional time can be used to ensure that when the satellites finally go into orbit, they are equipped with the best technology to deliver a seamless internet experience.
The Indian regulatory delays may have slowed down OneWeb’s momentum, but they have not dampened its spirits. The company remains determined to overcome these challenges and continue its mission of bridging the digital divide. OneWeb’s low Earth orbit broadband constellation has the potential to transform the lives of millions of people in remote and underserved areas, and the company will not let anything stand in its way.
In conclusion, the recent regulatory delays in India have caused a temporary setback for OneWeb’s coverage target, but it has not diminished their determination. The company remains committed to providing affordable and high-speed internet access to the world, and the delay has only strengthened their resolve. With a solid strategy in place and the support of their investors, OneWeb is poised to overcome these challenges and reach for the stars.
