JERSEY, Channel Islands--(BUSINESS WIRE)--O3b Networks Limited, the developer of a new global, high-speed, satellite-based internet network for telecommunications operators and ISPs, today announced that it has signed a global framework agreement with Etisalat Group, one of the largest telecommunications companies in the world, headquartered in the UAE and with more than 100 million customers across the Middle East, Africa and Asia. This framework agreement will enable any of Etisalat Group’s Operating Companies (OpCos) to benefit from O3b services under a separate bilateral agreement.

The five year agreement will see O3b provide mobile backhaul, trunking and next generation services to Etisalat Group OpCos. The deal establishes O3b as a qualified global supplier that can meet the future growth demands of any of the Etisalat OpCos.

John Finney, Chief Commercial Officer, O3b Networks, Ltd., said:

“We are delighted to have reached this agreement with Etisalat Group. Continuous availability of right priced, bulk capacity will enable carriers like Etisalat Group OpCos to meet their long term capacity needs. This deal further highlights the demand for O3b’s quality offer of faster more affordable connectivity available to everyone.”

Saeed Al Bahhar, Etisalat Group Chief Carrier Services Officer stated:

"Our framework agreement with O3b Networks will allow us to provide our subsidiaries across the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia with state-of-the-art satellite broadband services. This will provide each subsidiary with a competitive advantage in its own market, allowing it to reduce costs and increase network efficiency. The service portfolio on offer will address mission-critical network applications like IP Trunking, Mobile Backhaul, and Satellite Connectivity for businesses. Partnering with O3b brings a major step that will support our OpCos networks worldwide.”

About O3b Networks Ltd.

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. The O3b Networks system will combine global reach and the speed of a fiber-optic network. With investments and operational support from SES, Google, Liberty Global, HSBC Principal Investments, Northbridge Venture Partners, Allen & Company, Development Bank of Southern Africa, Sofina and Satya Capital, the O3b 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.

About Etisalat Group

An uncompromising commitment to excellence and innovation has seen Etisalat become one of the world’s fastest-growing telecom groups, rapidly expanding across Asia and Africa.

Its UAE operations, strategically located at the crossroads of East and West enables Etisalat to be the major hub in the Middle East for Internet, voice, broadcast, roaming and corporate data services. Its stellar performance has won Etisalat recognition as ‘Best Operator’ Ten times since 2006 and ‘Best Wholesale Provider’ four times in the last three years. Servicing over 110 million customers in 18 countries Etisalat continues to reach out to new customers and markets. For more information please visit www.etisalat.ae.

This press release is for informational purposes only and is not an offer of securities for sale in the United States. Securities may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an exemption from registration. Any public offering of securities to be made in the United States will be made by means of a prospectus that may be obtained from the issuer and that will contain detailed information about the issuer and management, as well as financial statements. The company does not intend to register any part of the present offering in the United States.