O3b Networks Ltd. has secured the backing of Google for it’s broadband satellite network. O3b Networks is building a new telecommunications infrastructure offering low-latency links from 1 Mbps to 10 Gbps for core trunking and 3G Cellular backhaul.

In telecommunications, backhaul refers to transporting traffic between distributed sites (typically access points like homes, schools, internet cafe’s etc. ) and more centralized points of presence.

The target customer base is emerging markets in Asia, Africa, Latin America and Middle East. Other investors in the project include Liberty Global, Inc. and HSBC Principal Investments.

Connectivity is the key enabler of the information flow that defines modern economies. It is also the key enabler of an ongoing economic transformation in many Latin American, Asian and African countries - The connectivity scorecard, a study by the London Business School

The O3b Networks system will offer fiber performance over satellite and will allowing direct connections to core networks and 3G Cellular/WiMAX towers.

The pricing is expected to be comparable with fiber access costs in developed nations according to the statement issued by O3b. This does not mean O3b network will be at pricing pressure with fiber. The reason being fiber deployments are a far fetch in emerging economies and are prohibitive due to cost issues with laying cables and ongoing maintenance.

The technology has the potential on unlocking the next billion+ internet users and can be a major coup for making internet easy and affordable to remote areas in emerging economies.

The initial deployment will feature a constellation of 16 satellites with 2,133 transponder equivalents and is being designed to deliver low-latency Internet backhaul at speeds reaching 10 gigabits per second. Service activation is scheduled for late 2010. As demand for the service grows, additional satellites will be launched.