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In this context it means - crew of platform O3b Networks
In June 2013, O3b Networks ("Other 3 billion" of the world's population without access to
terrestrial broadband), 47% owned by SES, launched the first four of a constellation of
eight satellites planned for 2013. After the successful launch in June, O3b announced on 9
September that two of its satellites in orbit exhibited power anomalies on their payloads
and, as a result, the company decided to postpone the launch of the second four satellites,
initially planned for 30 September 2013. It now expects them to be launched early in 2014,
delaying the positive contribution to come through to SES to late 2015.
O3b wants to tap three main areas of opportunities, overlapping with Inmarsat in most of
its services and increasing competition in the MSS space.
■ Government: During 2013, O3b signed agreements with several local authorities and
operators to provide broadband connectivity to rural areas in e.g. Malaysia, Peru,
Liberia, and Somalia. O3b is focused on providing connectivity via its high throughput
services to mobile platforms including aircraft and drones for military use.
■ Energy: O3b is also entering the energy space where, similar to Inmarsat, it intends to
provide coverage for offshore platforms, offering high speed broadband services for
tripulation uses and data management
■ Maritime: Maritime has been a focus for O3b, signing high profile contracts with Royal
Caribbean and Carnival during 2013 to provide broadband connectivity to their cruises,
increasing customer satisfaction.
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