3b Networks

FAQ

Why is it important to be close-to-Earth ?

The delay encountered when using geostationary satellite was described as a consequence of “physics law” because of the 36,000 kms distance between Earth and the satellites. An innovative approach of O3b Networks is to position its satellites closer to Earth and to remove the distance hurdle.

What types of antenna will be used by O3b Networks?

Existing LEO or MEO satellites in telecommunications provide services to the handset or limited bandwidth to an individual data receiver. O3b Networks with the use of parabolic antennas will provide large chunk of data, enabling a trunking solution with low latency.

What frequency band will O3b Networks operate in?

O3b Networks has the first approach of exclusively using a dedicated Ka-band satellite for trunking services. The large available Ka-band spectrum enables the delivery of bandwidth size in the Gigabit and higher.

Why does O3b Networks use an equatorial orbit?

By using an equatorial orbit, O3b Networks needs a relatively low number of satellites to have a permanent coverage of the Earth. Six satellites are enough to achieve this coverage at 8,063 kms.

Can O3b Networks expand its fleet easily?

By positioning its fleet at 8,063 kms from Earth, O3b Networks’ orbit is free of other spacecrafts and can be used to position new satellites as demand grows. The initial launch of O3b Networks includes eight satellites and sixteen more satellites will be sent in orbit in the 18 months following the initial launch.

How do the satellites' on-board antennas work?

O3b Networks’ satellites are equipped with steerable antennas, which, like the ones utilized on imaging satellites, have the ability to stay pointed at a fixed location on Earth as satellite passes overhead.

What is the coverage zone?

O3b Networks was funded to provide affordable and high-quality Internet to emerging markets. At the very start, the O3b Networks’ approach is market based and its mission is fulfilled by using innovative combinations of existing technologies. The coverage zone between +/- 40 degrees of latitude was defined to provide services to most of the emerging-markets countries with the highest cost efficiency.

Can O3b Networks change the configuration of its payload?

The use of a multi-satellite MEO constellation with each satellite supporting a configurable RF (Radio Frequencies) payload allows O3b Networks to have the ability to continually adapt its communications services based on its customer needs.