Archive for September 12th, 2008

O3B Networks To Deploy World’s First High-speed, Low-cost Satellite System – Pakistan Included In Plan

Published by Babar Bhatti on September 12, 2008 under Broadband Internet, Consumer Rights, Digital Divide, Emerging Markets Telecom, ICT, Infrastructure, Investment, Networks, Pakistan, Telecommunications

O3b Networks, with support from Google, Liberty Global and HSBC, plans to deploy world’s first high-speed, low-cost satellite system to transform communications access for billions worldwide. Scheduled deployment date is late 2010. The good news is that Pakistan is included in the coverage plan of “Other 3 billion”. This is a very significant development to narrow the digital divide and I will provide updates to this as they become available.

Daily Wireless has a good details and illustration about this launch with links to other sources:

O3b Networks today announced plans to launch at least 16 low earth orbit satellites to bring internet access to 3 billion people in Africa and other emerging markets. Google has joined forces with John Malone, the cable television magnate, and international banker HSBC to invest in the company.