As demand for global broadband coverage continues to grow, Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite networks are emerging as a transformative solution. Among the leading contenders, OneWeb and Starlink have established themselves as pioneers in this space, offering high-speed internet via expansive satellite constellations. While both aim to deliver global coverage, their technical architectures, performance capabilities, and market strategies reveal stark differences.
1. Constellation Architecture and Deployment
Starlink
- Orbit Altitude: ~550 km (first shell); additional shells between 340–1,200 km
- Orbital Planes: ~72 planes with 22 satellites per plane (initial deployment)
- Total Satellites: Over 5,000 (as of late 2024); plans for 12,000+
- Technology: Advanced phased array antennas with steerable spot beams
- ISLs: Equipped with laser-based inter-satellite links (ISLs) for space-based routing
OneWeb
- Orbit Altitude: ~1,200 km
- Total Satellites: 648 (initial phase)
- Technology: Fixed beam architecture optimized for consistent regional coverage
- ISLs: Not included in the initial phase; planned for future upgrades
2. Speed and Throughput Capacity
Starlink
- User Speeds: 50–500 Mbps (consumer), with 1 Gbps+ planned
- Throughout per Satellite: Estimated 17–20 Gbps
- Frequency Bands: Ku-, Ka-, and E-band support for both user and backhaul connectivity
- Advantage: High throughput enabled by aggressive frequency reuse and shorter signal paths
OneWeb
- User Speeds: Up to 195 Mbps under optimal conditions
- Throughput per Satellite: Estimated 8–10 Gbps
- Frequency Bands: Ku-band (user), Ka-band (backhaul)
- Advantage: Prioritizes consistent performance in underserved regions over peak speeds
3. Latency
Starlink
- Latency: ~25–50 milliseconds
- Impact: Low orbital altitude enables latency comparable to terrestrial networks, ideal for real-time applications like online gaming and videoconferencing
OneWeb
- Latency: ~70–150 milliseconds
- Impact: Suitable for general web use and streaming, though higher latency may affect time-sensitive applications
4. Target Markets and Use Cases
Starlink
- Markets: Direct-to-consumer broadband, government, enterprise, and mobile connectivity (aviation, maritime, vehicles)
- Coverage: Global, with a focus on both remote and urban areas
- Strengths: Low latency, flexible beam management, and high data rates for dynamic applications
OneWeb
- Markets: Enterprise, government, aviation, maritime, and rural telecom providers
- Coverage: Prioritized for polar and high-latitude regions often underserved by traditional networks
- Strengths: Reliable regional service and strong enterprise focus, especially for fixed installations
5. Inter-Satellite Links (ISLs) and Routing Efficiency
Starlink
- Implementation: Operational ISLs allow satellites to route data directly through space
- Benefit: Reduces dependence on ground infrastructure, lowers latency across continents and oceans
OneWeb
- Implementation: No ISLs in initial deployment—relies on ground station routing
- Future Plans: ISLs under consideration for future phases to improve performance and routing flexibility
6. Scalability and Future Developments
Starlink
- Scalability: Designed for massive expansion—plans exceed 12,000 satellites, with proposals up to 42,000
- Upgrades: Starlink V2 includes larger antennas, enhanced payloads, and direct-to-device (D2D) capabilities for smartphone access
OneWeb
- Scalability: Limited expansion from the current 648 satellites; primarily focused on enhancing capabilities rather than scale
- Upgrades: Focused on integrating ISLs and improving satellite performance
Technical Comparison Summary
| Feature | OneWeb | Starlink |
| Latency | 70–150 ms | 25–50 ms |
| User Speed | Up to 195 Mbps | 50–500 Mbps; 1 Gbps+ planned |
| Throughput per Satellite | 8–10 Gbps | 17–20 Gbps |
| Inter-Satellite Links | Not deployed initially | Laser-based ISLs operational |
| Coverage Strategy | Enterprise/regional, high-latitude focus | Consumer-first, global |
| Scalability | Moderate | Highly scalable |
Conclusion
While both OneWeb and Starlink are reshaping the global connectivity landscape, their priorities and technical implementations diverge significantly:
- OneWeb is built for enterprise-grade solutions, with a strong focus on fixed regional coverage and reliable service in remote and polar regions. Its architecture prioritizes consistency and partnerships over direct-to-consumer access.
- Starlink, in contrast, offers a highly dynamic and scalable system optimized for performance. Its lower latency, high throughput, and flexible beamforming position it as a compelling choice for individual users, high-speed mobile platforms, and latency-sensitive applications.
Choosing between them depends on the use case:
- For enterprise networks, telecom partnerships, or Arctic coverage, OneWeb offers tailored reliability.
- For consumer internet, real-time services, and future-ready scalability, Starlink leads with performance and innovation.