O3b Networks
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O3b Networks, Ltd. is a network company aiming to build an Internet infrastructure based on satellites to provide Internet access to third world countries. The company was founded by Greg Wyler. The name "O3b" stands for "[The] Other 3 Billion", referring to the population of the world where the Internet is not available without help. O3b is financially backed by Google, HSBC, SES and cable television magnate John Malone.[1][2][3]
By 2010 O3b plans to launch a constellation of 16 satellites into orbit to provide inexpensive Internet service to billions of users in remote areas of the world.[4]
Status
Although the OLPC is referenced in a CNN video, O3b and OLPC do not have any direct connection. Although Michael Bletsas, a vice president at OLPC has expressed his interest in O3b, it is not clear if O3b will be providing any service to those OLPC users.[5]
In a January 7, 2009 CNN video, contrary to the previous stream by the news agency, there are no computer users visually portrayed on the African continent. On the other hand, The newscast also mentions that, "a continent of nearly one billion... only about 5% have internet access", suggesting that there are nearly 50 million internet users on the continent.
O3b's ability to raise the estimated US$500 million to launch its first eight satellites has been questioned.[6] O3B's initial press release on September 9, 2008, states the system will be launched in late 2010 [7] and the satellites are being manufacturered by Thales Alenia Space. They have contracted Sea Launch to launch the first batch of Medium Earth Orbit satellites by deploying the Zenit-3SL system.[8]
The O3B website shows PDR (Preliminary Design Review) of the satellites was completed by Thales Alenia Space in February, 2009.[9]
O3b Networks plans to provide a high-capacity satellite connection to the Internet on which telephone companies and Internet service providers in emerging markets will be able to build their high-speed mobile and web-access offers. O3b Networks will offer fiber performance via satellite at prices comparable to fiber in developed regions. By allowing direct connection to core networks and 3G Cellular/WiMAX towers, the O3b Networks system will completely change the economics of telecommunications infrastructure in the world's fastest-growing markets for communications services.[10] Latency is reduced by putting the satellites in a MEO orbit, less than a twentieth of a second away at light speed as opposed to the half second needed to reach geostationary orbit.[11]
See also
- Globalstar
- ICO Global Communications
- Inmarsat
- Iridium Satellite LLC
- O3b satellite constellation
- Orbcomm
- SkyWave Mobile Communications
- Solaris Mobile
- SkyTerra
- Satellite phone
- TerreStar Corporation
References
- ^ Richard Lui. The Web, World Wide (streaming video). CNN.
{{cite AV media}}: External link in|medium=|year2=ignored (help) - ^ Sarah Knapton (Sep 9, 2008). "Google bid to beam broadband to Africa". Retrieved January 22, 2009.
- ^ SES S.A. (16 Nov, 2009). "SES invests in O3b networks". Retrieved November 19, 2009.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ Kyra Phillips. Making the Web worldwide (streaming video). CNN.
{{cite AV media}}: External link in|medium=|year2=ignored (help) - ^ Gregory M. Lamb (September 24, 2008). "O3b Networks: A far-out plan to deliver the Web". Telegraph.co.uk. Retrieved January 20, 2009.
- ^ ITnewsAfrica (November 17, 2008). "GOOGLE, 03B embark on advanced satelite network connection for Africa". Retrieved January 22, 2009.
- ^ http://www.o3bnetworks.com/press_o3blaunch.html?mod=2_1571_leftbox
- ^ Anil Sharma (September 23, 2008). "Sea Launch Signs Launch Agreement w/ O3b Networks".
{{cite web}}: Unknown parameter|Publisher=ignored (|publisher=suggested) (help) - ^ http://www.o3bnetworks.com/press_pdr.html?mod=2_1571_leftbox
- ^ http://www.spaceref.com/news/viewpr.html?pid=26391
- ^ http://www.theregister.co.uk/2008/09/09/other_three_billion/
External links
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