Adding OneWeb behind Starlink sounds simple until the practical questions arrive. Which terminal fits your mast? Will the two antennas block each other? How much backup data do you really need, and are you about to sign a 24-month contract for far more than you will use? Get these decisions wrong and you pay for years. Get them right and you have a backup that costs little while it waits and keeps your vessel fully online when it is needed. This guide walks through the choices we work through with every operator.
Why OneWeb is the usual choice for the second network
Eutelsat OneWeb is currently the main LEO broadband network other than Starlink available to maritime users. It uses its own satellites, ground stations and operator, so a problem on one network does not affect the other. It is sold through distribution partners rather than directly to the public, which suits commercial fleets that want a managed service and one invoice. Several major service providers, including Marlink and Speedcast, now offer Starlink and OneWeb together. We explain the reasoning in why two networks beat two antennas.
OneWeb maritime terminals
The most widely deployed maritime OneWeb terminal is the Intellian OW70M. It is quite different from a Starlink flat panel.
| Feature | Intellian OW70M (OneWeb) | Starlink flat panel |
|---|---|---|
| Antenna design | Dual 73 cm parabolic reflectors in two domes | Electronically steered flat panel |
| Tracking | 3-axis mechanical stabilisation | No moving parts |
| Frequency | Ku-band | Ku-band |
| Handover | Two antennas hand over between satellites | Electronic beam steering |
| Size on the mast | Larger; two domes | Compact panel |
| Relative hardware cost | Higher | Lower |
Specifications from the Intellian OneWeb series and distributor listings. The dual-dome design lets one antenna track the next satellite while the other is still connected, and each antenna can cover blockages the other experiences. Flat panel OneWeb terminals are also appearing on the market; we advise on the right unit for each vessel during the survey.
Where to mount it
The OneWeb terminal needs the same clear sky view as Starlink, and the two should not share the same blind spots.
- Mount Starlink and OneWeb on different sides of the mast or on different structures, so a single funnel, crane or mast cannot block both.
- Keep both terminals clear of radar beams and away from high-power HF and VHF antennas.
- Choose a position with a strong base, as the dual-dome unit is heavier than a flat panel.
- Plan cable routes early. The OW70M uses a single cable between above-deck and below-deck units, which simplifies installation.
- Allow safe access for maintenance at sea and in port.
Our Starlink installation guide covers RF separation, lightning protection and power in more detail; the same rules apply to OneWeb.
Want a second opinion on mast space or plan size?
Send us photos of your mast and your current data usage. We will suggest positions and a sensible backup plan size.
Sizing the backup data plan
A backup plan should be sized for the traffic you must keep running during a Starlink outage, not for normal use. Start by listing the essential services.
| Traffic type | Keep on backup? | Typical data impact |
|---|---|---|
| Ship management and ERP sync | Yes | Low |
| Email and messaging | Yes | Low |
| VoIP calls | Yes | Low to moderate |
| Remote engine or IoT telemetry | Yes | Low |
| CCTV to shore | Limited (low resolution) | Moderate to high |
| Crew video streaming | No | High |
| Software updates and backups | No, defer | High |
For most tugs, OSVs and harbour craft, a small monthly OneWeb plan covers several outages per month when crew streaming is blocked. Larger vessels with heavy camera or remote support traffic may need a mid-sized plan. Our vessel data usage benchmarks give per-activity figures, and our OneWeb pricing guide explains how plans are structured.
Plan terms to check
| Term | What to check |
|---|---|
| Contract length | Commonly 12 to 24 months; early termination fees apply |
| Rollover | Unused data usually does not carry over |
| Overage | Whether usage above the plan is charged or throttled |
| Suspension | Whether the service can be suspended, and the monthly fee during suspension |
| Speed | Whether speeds are best effort (MIR) or committed (CIR) |
| Pooling | Whether data can be shared across several vessels |
Fleet pooling is useful for the backup link. Because only a few vessels are likely to be on OneWeb at the same time, a shared pool across the fleet can cost less than individual plans.
Installation and commissioning
- Site survey to confirm mast positions, cable routes, power and router location.
- Supply of terminal, cable, mounting and router.
- Mechanical installation, cable running and power connection by the yard or our team.
- Activation of the OneWeb service and router configuration.
- Failover test at the quay with Starlink disconnected.
- Handover report with settings, test results and support contacts.
Our router set-up steps are in how to set up Starlink and OneWeb failover on a Peplink router.
Licensing and coverage
OneWeb, like Starlink, needs landing rights and licences in each country where it provides service. Coverage in SE Asian territorial waters depends on those approvals, which change over time. Before quoting, we check the route, flag state and any charterer or client restrictions. Some government and security-sensitive clients prefer or require a particular network, and we design around those requirements.
Limitations
The OneWeb maritime terminal is larger, heavier and more expensive than a Starlink panel, and the mechanical domes need periodic inspection. Speeds depend on the plan and are generally best effort. A backup plan that sits idle still costs money each month. For vessels that can tolerate a few hours offline, an L-band backup may be the more economical choice; see Iridium Certus vs Starlink.
Further reading
We supply the Starlink terminal, OneWeb terminal, router, installation and airtime together as the Dual-LEO Resilience bundle, quoted per vessel in SGD. Tell us your vessel type, route and current data use and we will size both plans for you.
How we can help
Most of the cost of a backup link is decided before installation: the terminal, the mounting position and the plan you sign. We help you get those decisions right the first time.
- Vessel survey and mast layout advice
- Backup plan sizing based on your real data use
- Fleet pooling to keep backup costs low across several vessels
- Supply, installation, activation and failover testing
What happens when you contact us
- Short call or meeting — we listen to how your vessels operate and what has gone wrong before.
- Vessel and route review — we check mast space, power, current contracts and licensing for your trading area.
- Clear recommendation — a written design and SGD quote, with options if budget matters.
- Install and support — commissioning, failover testing and 24/7 monitoring once you are live.
Book a free vessel survey and plan sizing
There is no obligation. If your current set-up is already the right one, we will tell you.
See how we package this design in the Dual-LEO Resilience bundle.
About the author
Steve leads Envisiondata Pte Ltd in Singapore. He has more than 20 years in cables, telecom infrastructure and satellite communications across ASEAN. He designs and supports connectivity for tugs, OSVs, harbour craft and commercial fleets across the region.
Written by Steve
Steve has over 20 years of experience in cables, telecom infrastructure and satellite communications across ASEAN. He founded Envision Data to help Singapore and SE Asia vessel operators choose and run the right maritime connectivity, from Starlink and OneWeb to Iridium, Inmarsat and GMDSS.
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