A visualization of OneWeb’s constellation. Photo: OneWeb

OneWeb NEOM, a joint venture formed by OneWeb and NEOM in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, has been accepted as an observer member of the Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO), OneWeb announced April 6. Membership of the DCO will enable OneWeb to gain and give insights into the initiatives the DCO is undertaking across the member nations including Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Jordan, Morocco and Pakistan, and the broader digital world to accelerate the growth of the digital economy across the DCO member populations.

The DCO was founded in November 2020 to enable digital prosperity for all by accelerating the inclusive growth of the digital economy and now includes 13 member states representing a population of over 600 million. OneWeb remains on track to activate its coverage solutions in the region, and elsewhere around the world, in 2023.

“We are pleased to welcome the OneWeb NEOM JV as an observer partner for the Digital Cooperation Organization. ‘Bridging the Gap’ report, published by the DCO, found that the lack of reliable and effective internet connectivity is one of the biggest challenges facing communities and businesses around the world. Without connectivity, it is almost impossible for nations to create and leverage inclusive digital economies that benefit all. Low-Earth Orbit constellations can deliver high-performance satellite connectivity services across under-serviced areas and will play an important role in overcoming the connectivity gap,” Deemah AlYahya, secretary general of the DCO, said in a statement.