UK announces space infrastructure fund

The UK government is taking significant strides to bolster the country's space sector with the launch of the Space Clusters and Infrastructure Fund (SCIF).

This initiative marks the first dedicated fund for UK space infrastructure and aims to accelerate the development of R&D facilities necessary for making space products mission-ready and commercially viable.

Investment in space R&D infrastructure is crucial for fostering the growth of the UK's space and...

24 May 2023 | Hot Topics

Rogers and Lynk partner to offer complete satellite coverage in Canada

Rogers Communications has partnered with Lynk Global to test and provide satellite-to-phone connectivity across Canada.

The collaboration will ensure that Canadians have wireless connectivity access no matter where they are. The move is aimed at helping Canadians reach 911 using 5G and 4G smartphones in remote regions and rural areas that are not covered by any wireless networks.

Tony Staffieri, President and CEO of Rogers, said:

“From underground transit...

28 April 2023 | Networks

AT&T conducts ‘space-based’ call using a regular smartphone

AT&T has achieved a significant milestone by successfully conducting the first-ever two-way audio call using satellites with a standard smartphone.

The call was made from AT&T in Midland, Texas, to mobile carrier Rakuten in Japan on a Samsung Galaxy S22 smartphone using AST SpaceMobile's BlueWalker 3 satellite. 

Abel Avellan, Chairman and CEO of AST SpaceMobile, commented:

“Achieving what many once considered impossible, we have reached the most...

25 April 2023 | AT&T

OneWeb is ready to rival Starlink after weekend launches

OneWeb successfully launched 36 new satellites over the weekend, marking a key milestone for the UK-based outfit.

The successful deployment and contact of the satellites were confirmed by NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) after a launch from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, India.

“NSIL would like to thank OneWeb for believing in our capabilities and giving us this important opportunity to undertake the mission,” said Radhakrishnan D, Chairman-cum-Managing...

28 March 2023 | Hot Topics

Babcock awarded £400M contract to operate military satellites

Babcock and its partners have been awarded a £400 million contract to operate the Skynet military satellite communications system.

Skynet is the UK’s satellite system that enables communications to be sent from anywhere in the world back to the UK and its allies.

Defence Procurement Minister Alex Chalk KC said:

“Space is increasingly important for maintaining battlefield advantage.

The UK’s next-generation military satellite communications...

15 February 2023 | Legislation & Government

UK announces £50M satellite industry boost

The UK Space Agency has announced a £50 million fund to boost the satellite communications industry.

Funding from the initiative will be used for projects including satellite constellations, ground systems, and entirely new end-to-end systems.

Science Minister George Freeman said:

“Developing UK space capabilities and maximising commercial opportunities are key to the National Space Strategy, as part of our plans to become a leading power in space and build...

23 January 2023 | Broadband

Boeing delivers first O3b mPOWER satellites to SES

Boeing took a sneaky jab at Starlink while announcing the delivery of its first two O3b mPOWER satellites to Luxembourg-based telecoms provider SES.

“SES's O3b mPOWER system is a true gamechanger and will transform the way people think about connectivity,” said Ruy Pinto, CTO at SES.

“Delivering performance above all, O3b mPOWER will offer connectivity services to government organisations and enterprises based in the most remote regions. In times of natural...

6 December 2022 | Networks

Ericsson, Qualcomm and Thales to take 5G into space

The Andromeda Galaxy.

Ericsson, Thales and Qualcomm Technologies plan to take 5G out of this world and across a network of Earth-orbiting satellites.

After having each conducted detailed research which included multiple studies and simulations, the parties plan to enter smartphone-use-case-focused testing and validation of 5G non-terrestrial networks (5G NTN).

The result could effectively mean that a future 5G smartphone could use 5G connectivity anywhere on Earth and provide complete global...

15 July 2022 | 5G

OneWeb to provide LEO satellite connectivity services across BT Group

BT has signed a Distribution Partner Agreement with OneWeb that will see the Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite firm provide connectivity services across BT Group.

The agreement builds on a Memorandum of Understanding signed by the two companies in July. As part of the previous agreement, OneWeb promised to help BT to bridge “the last digital divides” across the UK.

BT says that satellite services form a key component of its vision to enable digital solutions anywhere...

2 November 2021 | Networks

UK satellite firm OneWeb receives a $500M boost from Bharti

UK-based LEO (Low-Earth Orbit) satellite firm OneWeb is continuing a big news week with a $500 million investment from Bharti Global.

OneWeb received $1 billion from the UK Government and Bharti Global last year.

Rt. Hon Kwasi Kwarteng, MP, Secretary of State, BEIS, said:

“Today’s additional $500 million investment in OneWeb by Bharti marks yet another vote of confidence in the company from the market. It’s clear that investors see a strong future for...

30 June 2021 | Networks