Eutelsat buys 229 satellites for OneWeb internet service
Eutelsat announced a €1 billion investment for 229 new satellites to expand its OneWeb satellite internet service. The new satellites will support the network through 2034.
European satellite operator Eutelsat announced on September 10 its plan to acquire 229 new low-Earth orbit communication satellites from Airbus for €1 billion. These satellites are designated for the expansion and ongoing support of its OneWeb satellite internet service.
The acquisition will bring the total number of satellites for the OneWeb project to 669. Deliveries for the new order are scheduled to commence in the fourth quarter of 2026. This investment allows Eutelsat to continuously supplement and expand the OneWeb constellation until 2034.
The new satellites will feature advanced digital channelizers designed to enhance on-board processing capabilities, efficiency, and flexibility, and will be capable of carrying additional payloads. Eutelsat also signed a launch services agreement with Arianespace for exclusive launch missions in 2027 and 2028.
This significant procurement underscores Eutelsat's commitment to the satellite broadband market and aims to bolster its capacity to meet growing global demand for connectivity.