Andrew Bonwick
Vice President of Product Development at Relm Insurance
Madhav Sheth
CEO of Ai+ Smartphone
Stephen Rose
CEO Render Networks


Hughes Network Systems, a subsidiary of EchoStar, and OneWeb, a leading low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite communications company, have announced a Distribution Partner agreement to provide LEO connectivity services to the global airline market.
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LEO Connectivity Solutions for Airlines
The collaboration will enable Hughes, a worldwide OneWeb distributor, to offer in-flight connectivity (IFC) solutions powered by the company’s electronically steered antenna (ESA) to airlines worldwide, delivering fast, low-latency, and reliable passenger Wi-Fi.
Leveraging OneWeb’s Advantages for In-Flight Wi-Fi
With this partnership, Hughes plans to leverage the advantages of the OneWeb system, including its global reach, low latency, high speeds, and enterprise-grade service, to meet the increasing demand for in-flight Wi-Fi.
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Two Options for Hughes LEO In-Flight Solutions
The new Hughes LEO in-flight solutions will consist of two options. The first is an LEO-only offering, providing airlines with direct access to LEO connectivity services.
The second option is an industry-first hybrid solution that combines Hughes Fusion technologies with the existing geostationary orbit (GEO) aero service. This solution aims to deliver a fast, low-latency onboard Wi-Fi experience by leveraging the Hughes LEO antenna – a lightweight, low-power, and low-profile ESA developed and manufactured by Hughes.
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Extending Collaboration Beyond the Airline Market
OneWeb considers Hughes, a trusted strategic partner, and their collaboration extends beyond the airline market. Hughes played a crucial role in engineering the gateways for OneWeb’s ground network and is the manufacturer of the core module used in every terminal, enabling LEO connectivity.