O3b signs agreement with Arianespace
Wednesday 17 March: O3b Networks Limited, the developer of a new global, high-speed, satellite-based Internet network for telecommunications operators and ISPs, has signed a contract with Arianespace for the launch of O3b Network’s satellite constellation. This new global Internet backbone provides service access to more than 150 countries.
The first 8 O3b satellites will be launched into orbit during 2012 by two Soyuz launch vehicles operating from the Guiana Space Center, Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana. Each satellite will weigh about 700 kg at launch, has a design life of 10 years, and provides greater than 10 Gbps of capacity.
Mark Rigolle, O3b Chief Executive Officer, said:
“This agreement with Arianespace is another important boost to our plans to commence service next year. Our advanced satellite network will bring high-speed access to those who have so far been poorly served, or completely cut off, from the Internet.”
Jean-Yves Le Gall, Chairman and CEO of Arianespace said:
“Arianespace is especially proud to be supporting a new satellite operator and to be contributing to such an innovative project. I would like to thank O3b for selecting us. This contract is further recognition of the legendary reliability of the Soyuz, and the competiveness of our launch Services & Solutions”
O3b stands for the “Other 3 billion”, a reference to nearly half of the world’s population that is not adequately served with broadband Internet access. Through partnerships with telecommunications providers and internet service providers (ISPs), O3b will combine the speed of a fiber optic network with the global reach of a satellite system to serve billions.
Based on O3b’s current spectrum allocation, the company plans to initially launch up to 20 satellites. O3b satellites will be placed in orbit nearly 8,000 kilometers from the earth, four times closer to the planet than regular geostationary satellites, giving customers extremely low latency and providing access to approximately 70 per cent of the world’s population with fiber quality internet connectivity.
For further information, please contact:
O3b
Ladi Okuneye, O3b Networks, Ltd.
+1 404-496-6299
ladi.okuneye@o3bnetworks.com
Craig Breheny, Tom Batchelar, Michelangelo Bendandi, Brunswick
+ 44 (0) 207 404 5959
O3b@brunswickgroup.com
Arianespace
Aaron Lewis, Arianespace Inc.
+1 202-628-3936
Notes to editors:
1. O3b is building a new fiber-quality, satellite-based, global Internet backbone for telecommunications operators (telcos) and Internet service providers (ISP’s) in emerging markets. The O3b Networks system will combine global reach and the speed of a fiber-optic network. With investments and operational support from SES, Google Inc. Liberty Global, Inc. HSBC Principal Investments, Northbridge Venture Partners and Allen & Company, the O3b system will provide telcos and ISP’s with a low-cost, high-speed alternative to connect their 3G, WiMAX and fixed-line networks to the rest of the world. This will allow billions of consumers and businesses in more than 150 countries to benefit from high-speed Internet connectivity for educational, medical and commercial applications. O3b Networks’ headquarters is in St. John, Jersey, Channel Islands. Ground systems and technical development are managed through its wholly owned subsidiary in Englewood, Colorado. For more information, please visit www.o3bnetworks.com.
2. About Arianespace
Arianespace is the world’s leading launch Service & Solutions company, providing innovation to its customers since 1980. Backed by 24 shareholders and the European Space Agency, Arianespace offers an unrivalled family of launchers, comprising Ariane 5, Soyuz and Vega, and an international workforce renowned for a culture of commitment and excellence. As of 15 February 2010, Arianespace had launched a total of 277 payloads, including more than half of all the commercial satellites now in service worldwide. It has a backlog of more than 20 Ariane 5 and 15 Soyuz launches, equal to three years of business. www.arianespace.com