O3b Networks to provide low-latency fibre quality Internet backhaul to the DRC
ST. JOHN, Jersey, Channel Islands--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- O3b Networks, the developer of a new fibre quality, global Internet backbone, announced today that Microcom DRC has signed a multi-year, multi-million dollar contract for O3b Networks's Quick Start service. O3b's Quick Start carrier managed service provides high-bandwidth, low-latency Internet access directly to Microcom. Once connected, Microcom will offer more affordable, high speed Internet access to its customers.
O3b Networks, funded by Google Inc., Liberty Global, Inc. and HSBC Principal Investments, is building the world's first ultra-low-latency, fibre-speed satellite network. The network is designed to improve Internet access for the millions of consumers and businesses in emerging and developing markets. Activation is scheduled for late 2010.
"As the largest wireless ISP in the DRC, we have successfully addressed customer access to our network; for us, the challenge is to provide a low-latency connection back to the global Internet," said Leon Ntale, CEO Microcom. "With O3b's Quick Start service, we have access to a fibre quality service without the overhead of a fibre network. With the O3b backbone, we look forward to providing high speed Internet access to the 60 million people of the DRC."
"Microcom, like many emerging market operators, has significant opportunities to provide new data services," said John Finney, EVP Sales and Marketing for O3b Networks, Ltd. "In most markets,the reliable low latency backhaul does not exist. This is where O3b comes in. Our solutions allow operators to provide an Internet experience similar to developed markets."
*Source: ME NewsWire
*View this release online and download high resolution images and logos at: http://www.me-newswire.com/content/view/468/lang,en/
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About Microcom DRC
Microcom, founded in 1982, is the leading Wireless Internet Access service provider (WISP) in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Congo Brazzaville . From its establishment, Microcom has gathered experience in telecommunications with the deployment of its private satellite network in twelve cities in DRC. In each city, Internet access is provided by a Wimax broadband wireless access network designed for providing high speed-data to the Internet users. Microcom built the first African WiMax network. Today, they have more than 5000 CPE'S installed. In 2009 and 2010, Microcom will expand its fixed network to provide a new Mobile Wimax Network and use the capacity from O3b Networks to provide a low-latency connection to the Internet.
About O3b Networks
O3b Networks is building a new fibre-quality, satellite-based, global Internet backbone for telecommunications operators (telcos) and Internet service providers (ISPs) in emerging markets. With deployment scheduled for late 2010, the O3b Networks system will combine global reach and the speed of a fibre-optic network. With investment and operational support from Google Inc., Liberty Global, Inc. and HSBC Principal Investments, the O3b Networks system will provide telcos and ISPs with a low-cost, high-speed alternative to connect their 3G, WiMAX and fixed-line networks to the rest of the world. This will allow billions of consumers and businesses in more than 150 countries to benefit from high-speed Internet connectivity for educational, medical and commercial applications. O3b Networks' headquarters is in St. John, Jersey, Channel Islands. Ground systems and technical development are managed through a wholly owned subsidiary in Englewood, Colorado. For more information visit www.o3bnetworks.com.
Contacts
O3b Networks
Mike Serrano,
925-915-4835
mike.serrano@o3bnetworks.com
Source: O3b Networks
© Press Release 2009
