O3b Networks, Ltd the developer of the new fiber-quality, satellite-based, global Internet backbone for telecommunications operators and Internet Service Providers announced today that Netcom Africa, Nigeria's leading telecommunications services supplier, has signed a multi-year contract for service. Under the terms of the agreement, Netcom Africa will use O3b Networks to provide high-bandwidth, low-latency IP services to and within Nigeria.

O3b Networks, funded by Google Inc., Liberty Global, Inc. and HSBC Principal Investments, recently announced it will deploy the world's first ultra-low-latency, Medium Earth Orbit (MEO), Ka-band, fiber-speed satellite network. The network is designed to provide an Internet backbone for Internet Service Providers and Telco's in emerging markets. Service activation and ground equipment is scheduled for late 2010.

"O3b's internally redundant fiber quality internet backbone will allow us to provide lower latency and higher speeds to Telcos, 3G / Wimax / ISP carriers." said Yen Choi, Group EVP and CTO of Netcom Africa, "As a market leader in backbone services within Nigeria, we are looking to extend our network and increase our capacity for our customers. With over 4Gbps of capacity, we will be able to provide compelling value through high bandwidth and low latency alternatives to international submarine cables and national fibre optic networks. In addition, our services will allow our customers to rapidly deploy in areas where fiber is not yet available. Our delivery of fiber-quality services over satellite is not prone to terrestrial issues such as fibre breaks, sabotage, local disturbances and power issues which are common in the region."

"Netcom has been a fast growing market leader in providing internet access in West Africa," said John Finney, EVP of Sales and Marketing, O3b Networks. "O3b's Network will be able to substantially enhance their broadband service offering while managing their infrastructure costs. O3b provides a cost-effective trunking solution for IP services. With fiber-like performance and the reach of satellite, we provide a new option for network planners globally."

Source:BUSINESS WIRE