Netcom Africa Signs Multi-Year Contract With O3b Networks, Ltd.

ST. JOHN, Jersey, Channel Islands--(BUSINESS WIRE)--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’s internally redundant fiber quality internet backbone will allow us to provide lower latency and higher speeds to Telcos, 3G / Wimax / ISP carriers.”

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.”

About O3b Networks

O3b Networks is building a new fiber-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 fiber-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 its wholly owned subsidiary in Englewood, Colorado. For more information visit www.o3bnetworks.com.

About Netcom Africa

Netcom Africa, is a leading telecommunication services supplier in West Africa. Netcom Africa provides “best of breed” solutions to telecommunication carriers, GSM / CDMA operators, ISPs, multinationals, banks, oil & gas and government.

Netcom Africa provides clients with a unique solution utilizing its infrastructure of satellite, fiber and microwave technologies. With multiple VSAT hubs globally and direct submarine capacity through geographically diverse routes, Netcom Africa’s redundant network is peered with multiple tier one network providers in the USA and UK. Netcom Africa maintains over 5000 circuits across multiple satellites including Intelsat and SES.

Netcom Africa is an ISO9001:2000 registered company with the British Standards Institute (BSI) and the first company in Africa to achieve a TL9000 certification which demonstrated a strong commitment to deliver mission critical services. Netcom Africa has been awarded “Best VSAT Company of the year”, “Best ISP of the year” and “Best Broadband Company of the year” from IT Telecom & Digest and the Nigerian IT & Telecom’s award for 3 years running.

The Company is headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria with additional points of presence, in the UK, USA, China and Hong Kong.