O3b Networks Opens Peru Gateway

Lima, Peru, November 25, 2013--Satellite operator O3b today moves a step closer to service launch for its customers with the formal opening of its Gateway (satellite ground station) in preparation for its launch and service commencement in 2014. The facility was formally opened by the President of Peru, Ollanta Humala, at a ceremony attended by O3b CEO Steve Collar on Monday, 25 November at 11.00, local time.

The Gateway is located at a Telefonica facility in Lurin, south of Lima, and will provide Launch and Early Operations (LEOP) support, as well as serve as the gateway for customer network services. Under control of O3b’s Network Operations Center (NOC) in Manassas, VA, USA, the Peru Gateway will track the O3b satellites through the sky, as each satellite passes over the site four times per day.

The Gateway includes the telemetry and commanding systems needed to control the satellites during early stages of launch and completed integration with the Satellite Operations Center (SOC).

The O3b network will deliver broadband connectivity to emerging and insufficiently connected markets in Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, Asia and the Pacific.

Operating in “medium Earth orbit”, O3b is reducing network cost and latency—the delay web users experience when loading a web page. This will help connect consumers in the developing world (“the other 3 billion” or O3b) who currently lack proper internet access.

Steve Collar, O3b CEO said:“Latin America is a market with huge potential. Mobile networks and mobile infrastructure have exploded in recent years and many Latin American governments have made a commitment to rural broadband. There is a very strong link between broadband penetration and social and economic development.  Andean nation governments are leading the world in their commitment to rural broadband."

"We are delighted to partner with Telefonica at this state-of-the-art Gateway here in Lurin.  Through this teleport we will access the Andean region as well as the Caribbean, Central America and parts of the Amazon, delivering broadband connectivity over satellite with the speed and performance of fiber.  We look forward to delivering our affordable, middle-mile and backhaul connectivity to telecommunications operators and internet service providers across Peru and the wider region," added Collar.

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