OneWeb has announced plans to deliver 375 Gbps of capacity above the 60th parallel North, bringing high-speed, low-latency internet service to the Arctic.

The polar-orbiting satellites coupled with OneWeb’s high-speed service and low latency capabilities will provide 200 times more capacity than planned systems to the 48 per cent of the Arctic currently without broadband coverage.

Substantial services will start towards the end of 2020, with full 24-hour coverage being provided by early 2021, supplying blanket coverage to every part of the Arctic Circle.

“Connectivity is critical in our modern economy,” said U.S. Senator for Alaska Lisa Murkowski. “As the Arctic opens, ensuring the people of the Arctic have access to affordable and reliable broadband will make development safer, more sustainable and create new opportunities for the next generation leading in this dynamic region of the globe.”

Adrian Steckel, OneWeb chief executive officer, said: “Connectivity is now an essential utility and a basic human right. Our constellation will offer universal high-speed Arctic coverage sooner than any other proposed system meeting the need for widespread connectivity across the Arctic.”

The industry advancements will further the Arctic’s growth as a key commercial trade region by drastically improving the region’s safety and communications services, as well as boosting education, healthcare and economic development in remote communities.

OneWeb most recently proved its system’s capabilities through HD video streaming tests last month with its first six satellites that showcased extreme low latencies under 40 milliseconds and high speed services.