Level 3 Communications was selected to provide a North American satellite gateway for O3b Networks, which is launching a global, next-generation satellite network for telecommunications operators, Internet service providers, and enterprise and government customers in emerging markets.
The gateway will allow O3b to link its Gigabit IP network connectivity and bandwidth services to customers located in the U.S., Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico region.
O3b, which is short for “Other Three Billion,” will provide broadband connectivity everywhere on Earth within 45 degrees of latitude north and south of the Equator. The company focuses on emerging and insufficiently connected markets in Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, Asia and the Pacific.
“Level 3 gives us the infrastructure we need to provide low latency, high-speed IP services to underserved and remote areas,” said Chris Schram, EVP Operations for O3b Networks. “With the help of Level 3’s secure, reliable transport, O3b is building a global
system that delivers the high quality connectivity enjoyed by major world capitals to the underserved and unconnected.”
- In June, 3b’s first four satellites were successfully launched by an Arianespace Soyuz rocket from the Guiana Space Center.
O3b is deploying a network of 12 satellites to deliver broadband connectivity to billions of people across emerging markets who have never had access to this level of connectivity before.
Thales Alenia Space produced the Ka-band relay platform.
A second group of four O3b satellites will be launched in September, completing the first phase in O3b’s constellation and ahead of the launch of the company’s service later in the year.
O3b Networks’ investors include SES, Google, Liberty Global, HSBC Principal Investments, Northbridge Venture Partners, Allen & Company, Development Bank of Southern Africa, Sofina, Satya Capital and Luxempart. O3b Networks is headquartered in St. Helier, Jersey, Channel Islands.
