Advantech Satellite Networks And O3B Networks Announce Technology Partnership For Cellular Backhaul, Maritime And Defense Sectors

    MONTREAL, QC, February 06, 2009 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Advantech Satellite Networks announces it has entered into a technology partnership with O3b Networks, Ltd, a newly established satellite operator headquartered in Jersey, Channel Islands. Recognized for pioneering satellite-based DVB standardized communications technology, Advantech will build features into its SatNet DVB-S2/ACM platform to interoperate with O3b's Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) Satellite Constellation, enabling partners to access O3b's satellite network.

Given the mobile dynamics of the MEO Constellation, the O3b Networks system will enable service providers to connect directly to 3G, 4G and WiMAX cell towers, virtually eliminating the need for major capital expenditure on backhaul and international backbone trunking. The integration effort will leverage Advantech Satellite Networks' widely deployed technologies that support mobility for applications across the maritime, military or defense sectors. The software upgrade will feature an automatic satellite beam switching feature that will allow the SatNet remote to maintain seamless connectivity from one satellite to the next as they circle the earth five times daily.

Advantech looks forward to working with O3b in providing solutions that meet the needs of the developing world. "We believe our customers and solutions supporting global (DVB-RCS) standards can be paramount in serving the O3b community," says Don Osborne, President of Advantech's Satellite Networks division.

Greg Wyler, O3b Networks' Founder and Chief Executive Officer stated, "we are pleased to have a partnership with a proven satellite communications leader like Advantech Satellite Networks. We value the expertise they can bring to our venture, especially since they've established an important platform relied upon by the world's largest satellite and cellular operators."

About Advantech Satellite Networks
Advantech Satellite Networks is a wholly owned subsidiary of Advantech AMT. Advantech Satellite Networks is a leading provider of broadband satellite communication systems, ground terminals and hub solutions using the international open standard DVB-RCS. Advantech Satellite Networks' product and technology solutions enable two-way broadband access for a wide range of networking applications ranging from Internet access to more sophisticated virtual private networks, videoconferencing and Voice-over-IP. Advantech Satellite Networks is also a provider of military compliant satellite communications systems for use in DoD-owned teleports and for foreign military establishments worldwide.

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 with 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.

For more information, please visit www.advantechsatnet.com.

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