FCC approves WorldVu Satellites entrance into US market

The Federal Communications Commission has approved a request by WorldVu Satellites, which does business as OneWeb, to access the US satellite market. OneWeb will be able to provide broadband services using satellite technology that holds promise to expand internet access in remote and rural areas across the country.

This approval is the first of its kind for a new generation of large, non-geostationary-satellite orbit (NGSO), fixed-satellite service (FSS) systems. OneWeb proposes to access the U.S. market for its global network of 720 low-Earth orbit satellites using the Ka (20/30 GHz) and Ku (11/14 GHz) frequency bands to provide global internet connectivity. The satellite system will be authorised by the United Kingdom, but needs FCC approval to provide service in the US.

OneWeb was the first of several entities to file a request seeking FCC authority to deploy a large constellation of NGSO FSS satellites to provide ubiquitous broadband services. The FCC is currently examining additional applications for the operation of NGSO FSS constellations, most of which include large numbers of satellites. With today’s action, the FCC said it facilitates greater broadband offerings and competition in the US.