O3b Networks, Ltd.

O3b Networks Ltd. is a network communications service provider building and operating a medium Earth orbit satellite constellation primarily intended to provide voice and data communications to mobile operators and Internet service providers, and is a wholly owned subsidiary of SES S.A.

The network combines the relatively large reach of satellite with high speed and medium latency to deliver satellite Internet services and mobile backhaul services to emerging markets. The name "O3b" stands for "[The] Other 3 Billion", referring to the population of the world where broadband Internet is not available without help.

The network currently consists of twelve Ka-based satellites in the O3b satellite constellation orbiting at an altitude of 8,000 km, which is less than one quarter of the altitude of geostationary satellites, significantly reducing satellite latency.

After initially planning to launch in 2010, the first four satellites were launched on June 25, 2013. A further four satellites were launched in July 2014, and another four in December 2014. Four more are scheduled for launch in 2018 and the remaining four in 2019, bringing the constellation to 20 satellites, including the three current satellites used as in-orbit backup.

O3b was founded by Greg Wyler in 2007. The company was financially backed by SES, Google, HSBC, Liberty Global, Allen & Company, Northbridge Venture Partners, Soroof International, Development Bank of Southern Africa, Sofina and Satya Capital.

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