O3b Plans Satellite Network for Emerging Markets

US-based telecoms start-up O3b Networks plans to deploy a satellite network for providing high-speed internet connectivity to emerging markets in Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East.

It plans to provide a high-capacity satellite connection to the internet, which can be used by telephone companies and ISPs to offer mobile and web-access services. It has raised approximately $60m from investors including Google, HSBC Holdings, Allen & Company, and Liberty Global.

The company, founded by telecommunications entrepreneur Greg Wyler, expects to launch 16 satellites, which will be operational by the end of 2010. The infrastructure will provide internet backhaul at speeds of 10Gps. The company has approached French aerospace group Thales for the construction of satellites.