The United Kingdom is ramping up its space ambitions, which could lead to the development of Smarter Consumer Services powered by satellite data and super-fast internet speeds. The government recently reinstated the National Space Council and introduced a new national space strategy to support the growth of the UK space sector.
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One example of this growing industry is telecoms company BT, which has announced its partnership with London-based firm OneWeb to improve high-speed internet coverage across the country. BT is using OneWeb’s constellation of small Satellites to address gaps in rural areas and deliver faster internet speeds. This technology is similar to Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite constellation.
Previously, areas like Lundy Island off the coast of Devon had poor internet speeds, with download speeds reaching a maximum of 10Mbps, if at all. However, with the use of the small satellites, Lundy Island now has access to speeds of up to 75Mbps, similar to 4G mobile internet speeds in cities like London.
BT aims to provide 90% of the UK with decent mobile internet speeds by 2028. Their efforts include initiatives such as deploying fiber broadband through OpenReach and using drones to create portable mobile base stations. The addition of small satellites to their network allows for lower latency and higher capacity.
Small satellites, also known as nanosats and small satellites, are smaller, lighter, and cheaper to launch into low-Earth orbit compared to traditional communication satellites. They can collect data and transmit communication signals quickly.
OneWeb currently has over 580 small satellites in space, while Starlink has about 3,000 nanosats and small satellites. Starlink offers satellite broadband internet services in the UK, with prices starting at £75 per month.
The use of small satellites by major UK companies like BT paves the way for innovative consumer services and improved internet connectivity, particularly in areas that have historically struggled with poor internet speeds.
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