Media Contact: 
Neil Grace (202) 418-0506
neil.grace@fcc.gov
For Immediate Release
FCC GRANTS ONEWEB ACCESS TO U.S. MARKET FOR ITS 
PROPOSED NEW BROADBAND SATELLITE CONSTELLATION
  --
WASHINGTON, June 22, 2017 – The Federal Communications Commission today approved a 
request by WorldVu Satellites Limited, which does business as OneWeb, to access the United 
States satellite market. Today’s action paves the way for OneWeb to provide broadband services 
using satellite technology that holds unique 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
authorized by the United Kingdom, but needs FCC approval to provide service in the U.S. 
In order for large broadband network constellations to deliver services in the U.S., the FCC must 
approve their operations to ensure the satellite constellation does not cause interference to other 
users of the same spectrum and will operate in a way that manages the risk of collisions. 
The Order and Declaratory Ruling adopted today outlines the conditions under which OneWeb
will be permitted to provide service using its proposed NGSO FSS satellite constellation in the 
United States.  As such, this FCC action provides a blueprint for the earth station licenses that 
OneWeb, or its partners, will need to obtain before providing OneWeb’s proposed service in the 
United States.  
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 Commission facilitates 
greater broadband offerings and competition in the United States.  
Action by the Commission June 22, 2017 by Order and Declaratory Ruling (FCC 17-77). 
Chairman Pai and Commissioners Clyburn and O’Rielly approving and issuing separate 
statements.  
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Office of Media Relations: (202) 418-0500
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www.fcc.gov/office-media-relations
This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action.  Release of the full text of a Commission order constitutes 
official action.  See MCI v. FCC. 515 F 2d 385 (D.C. Circ 1974).