BT and OneWeb Deliver High-Speed Satellite Connectivity to Lundy Island

BT and OneWeb have partnered with the UK government to provide high-speed and dependable internet connectivity to Lundy Island for the first time as part of the Alpha Trials program. Situated 19 kilometres off the coast of North Devon, Lundy Island, with its 28 permanent residents and status as a designated Marine Conservation Zone and Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), can now access seamless connectivity with the deployment of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites, stated the official release.

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Partnership and Connectivity Solution

The connectivity on Lundy Island was accomplished through the installation of an Intellian dual parabolic terminal on the island itself. This outdoor satellite antenna system connects to OneWeb’s constellation of over 630 LEO satellites, which are positioned at a distance of just 1,200 kilometres above the Earth’s surface. This technology ensures high throughput and low latency, making it feasible to deliver high-speed internet to even the most isolated locations.

OneWeb and BT, in a joint release, stated: the process involves an indoor satellite modem to provide two-way data connectivity. The data travels from the User Terminal (UT) to the Satellite Network Portal (SNP) through the LEO satellites. From there, it is backhauled across OneWeb’s Wide Area Network, finally connecting to BT’s points of presence (PoP) in London. The traffic is then either routed back into the internet or seamlessly integrated into BT’s 21C core network.

Positive Impact on Lundy Island

The positive impact of this connectivity on Lundy Island’s residents and environment is considered enormous. Apart from supporting payment systems in local establishments, this high-speed internet facilitates local conservation efforts on an island that harbours three endemic species and is home to over 21,000 seabirds. In 2010, Lundy Island was designated as the UK’s first-ever Marine Conservation Zone, making this project even more significant in preserving its unique biodiversity.