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SoftBank and OneWeb have inked a distribution partnership agreement to usher in a new era of satellite communication services throughout Japan.

OneWeb’s Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite-based services will be at the heart of delivering enhanced connectivity across the nation. LEO satellites, positioned closer to Earth, enable lightning-fast communication with minimal latency.

Integrating OneWeb’s cutting-edge LEO satellite services with SoftBank’s closed-domain connection services will also help to bolster the security of communication networks in Japan. Moreover, this agreement includes a bandwidth guarantee to ensure customers experience the speed and stability they demand.

SoftBank is actively developing new services to fully capitalise on this partnership. Among its key initiatives is the customisation of the communication network to cater to the diverse needs of enterprise customers. The company says it’s committed to providing a seamless, one-stop solution that encompasses device terminals and comprehensive customer support.

OneWeb’s satellite communication services promise to bridge communication gaps in areas where conventional mobile networks struggle to reach—including remote locations like mountainous regions and disaster-affected areas, where reliable connectivity can be a lifeline.

The overarching goal of SoftBank is to create an environment where communication is seamlessly accessible everywhere. To achieve this, they are weaving together a fabric of Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) solutions.

This intricate web utilises satellites in space – such as OneWeb’s LEO satellites – alongside High Altitude Platform Stations (HAPS) in the stratosphere, in harmony with terrestrial mobile networks. The result is what SoftBank is calling a truly “ubiquitous network”.

Takenori Kobayashi, VP and Head of the Product Technology Division at SoftBank, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership:

“We are thrilled to continue our partnership with OneWeb, a pioneer in low Earth orbit satellite communications.
This collaboration will offer customers high-speed, low-latency connectivity solutions in remote and underserved areas in Japan. We look forward to working closely with OneWeb to provide exceptional service and expand the reach of our growing ubiquitous network throughout the region.”

Stephen Beynon, Chief Commercial Officer at OneWeb, echoed Kobayashi’s excitement:

“We are excited to extend OneWeb’s low-latency, high-performance satellite connectivity to SoftBank in its quest to connect Japan through its ubiquitous network.
We thank SoftBank for their continued support and partnership and look forward to adding new reach, resiliency, and capabilities to Japan’s communications landscape.”

In a world that increasingly depends on seamless and reliable connectivity, SoftBank and OneWeb’s collaboration promises to transform the Japanese communication landscape, connecting even the most remote corners of the nation.

(Image Credit: OneWeb)

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About the Author

Ryan Daws

Senior Editor

Ryan Daws is a senior editor at TechForge Media with over a decade of experience in crafting compelling narratives and making complex topics accessible. His articles and interviews with industry leaders have earned him recognition as a key influencer by organisations like Onalytica. Under his leadership, publications have been praised by analyst firms such as Forrester for their excellence and performance. Connect with him on X (@gadget_ry), Bluesky (@gadgetry.bsky.social), and/or Mastodon (@gadgetry@techhub.social)