🛰️ OneWeb or Starlink? Taiwan’s Resilience Strategy
Choosing OneWeb Over Starlink: Can Taiwan Build Communications Resiliency?
Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite service OneWeb is coming to Taiwan, but this does not guarantee communications resilience. With Starlink unwilling to participate, can OneWeb alone meet Taiwan's unique needs?
By Charo Wu
OneWeb Set to Launch in Taiwan
LEO satellite service OneWeb, supported by the UK and French governments, is preparing to establish a foothold in Taiwan. Taiwan’s largest telecom services provider Chunghwa Telecom confirmed that OneWeb is expected to secure a commercial service license, enabling corporate clients to apply for the service starting next year.
“Taiwan is an important region for us,” emphasized Neha Idnani, Vice President of Eutelsat OneWeb Asia-Pacific, and Cyril Dujardin, President of Connectivity Services, during a December 4 interview in Taipei.
As of late 2023, OneWeb had launched over 600 satellites into orbit worldwide. However, Taiwan only achieved full signal coverage after a ground station in Thailand was completed in October 2024. Currently, OneWeb’s service for Taiwan is supported by three nearby ground stations in Japan, Guam, and Thailand, which transmit signals to the island.
LEO Satellites: A Lifeline in Emergencies
Taiwan’s extensive mobile network coverage means that the general public rarely requires LEO satellite services. However, during emergencies such as natural disasters, search-and-rescue operations, or potential wartime disruptions, these satellites become critical backup systems when traditional mobile communications fail.
Given Taiwan's sensitive geopolitical status, experts argue that enhancing communications resilience through dedicated LEO infrastructure, such as domestic ground receiving stations, is worth considering. However, Dujardin believes this may not be necessary. He cited the coverage provided by existing neighboring ground stations and OneWeb’s future satellite upgrades. Starting in 2026, OneWeb plans to implement direct satellite-to-satellite communication capabilities within six years, which could eliminate the need for ground stations entirely.
Nevertheless, the cost remains a significant obstacle. Building a ground station costs an estimated US$15 million, excluding operational and maintenance expenses. According to a Chunghwa Telecom insider, discussions with the government and OneWeb have stalled over funding responsibility.
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