Intelsat links Solomon Islands to LEO satellite broadband

• Intelsat will deploy OneWeb’s LEO network to deliver satellite connectivity across 55 remote locations in the Solomon Islands.
• The project supports critical services such as healthcare, education and government operations in areas lacking terrestrial infrastructure.

What happened: A new partnership aims to bring low Earth orbit satellite internet to the Solomon Islands’ underserved regions, bridging severe infrastructure gaps

Intelsat has confirmed a satellite connectivity deal with the Solomon Islands government to provide broadband services to 55 remote sites. The agreement uses capacity from OneWeb, which operates a global low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellation.

The rollout is part of the country’s National Broadband Infrastructure Project, overseen by the Ministry of Communication and Aviation. Intelsat will manage installation and service delivery for locations including schools, clinics and local government offices. The three-year project is designed to improve internet access in regions where terrestrial or fibre infrastructure is either unavailable or economically unviable.

Gaurav Kharod, Intelsat’s vice president for network services, said the partnership highlights the value of combining Intelsat’s global coverage with OneWeb’s LEO performance to serve isolated communities.

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Why this is important

The Solomon Islands, made up of more than 900 islands scattered across the Pacific, has long struggled with limited connectivity, particularly outside the capital Honiara. This project represents a practical solution to the country’s geographic and economic challenges in delivering reliable internet access.

Unlike geostationary satellites, LEO networks offer lower latency, which supports more responsive digital services such as real-time communication and online education tools. The partnership also reflects growing momentum for LEO broadband solutions in developing regions, following deployments in Africa and other Pacific island states by providers such as Starlink.

Despite past ambitions to expand undersea cable links, including proposals involving Huawei Marine, progress has been slow due to geopolitical concerns and limited investment. Satellite broadband can be deployed faster, with lower upfront infrastructure costs.

This shift could help small nations gain more autonomy over their connectivity, though long-term affordability and maintenance remain concerns. The Solomon Islands project highlights how LEO technology can complement regional digital strategies and contribute to inclusive connectivity goals set by the International Telecommunication Union.