Russia denies OneWeb’s satellite internet request

A agency that plans to launch a whole lot of satellites into orbit to supply worldwide internet protection has failed in its newest try to get approval in Russia.

OneWeb, whose headquarters are within the UK, was searching for to make use of a sure band of radio frequencies in Russia.

However, the State Commission for Radio Frequencies has denied it permission to take action.

OneWeb has been making an attempt to get approval for its Russian operations since 2017.

The firm was based by US entrepreneur Greg Wyler. It launched its first six satellites, out of a proposed 650, into orbit in February.

In 2017, Russia’s communications authority Roskomnadzor blocked OneWeb from providing providers within the nation.

And the Federal Security Service (FSB) stated that the satellites may very well be used for espionage.

According to German market analysis agency GfK, 90 million individuals in Russia have internet entry – however 1 / 4 of the inhabitants remains to be not related.

The newest refusal of OneWeb was an indication that the nation’s authorities stay eager to proceed tightening their management of internet entry, stated Prof Christopher Newman at Northumbria University.

“[Satellite internet] presents an existential strategic threat to their trying to limit internet activity within their boundaries,” he advised the BBC.

“There are going to be large swathes of Russian territory… that are going to become very dependent on internet from space.”

It can be arduous to attach these distant areas to the internet utilizing conventional, ground-based cables and broadcasts, he added.

However, Prof Newman additionally famous that the transfer was considerably ironic since OneWeb is utilizing Russian rockets and launch websites to ship its satellites into orbit.