Norsat International Inc., a provider of communication solutions that enable the transmission of data, audio and video for challenging applications and environments, has joined hands with O3b Networks Limited – a global satellite service provider – to provide microwave transmission and reception components for the launch of O3b’s next generation Ka-Band satellite constellation.

St. Helier, Jersey, Channel Islands-based O3b Networks is a satellite service provider building next-generation satellite network for telecommunications operators, Internet service providers, enterprise and government customers in emerging markets.

As quoted in a statement, O3b Networks selected Norsat as the preferred supplier/vendor of microwave components for O3b Network’s ground terminals, which will be used for building the first medium earth orbit satellite constellation.

Precisely, Norsat will provide O3b with custom frequency 5W and 10W Block Upconverters (BUCs) and Low Noise Blocks Downconverters (LNBs) for the launch of O3b Networks’ next generation Ka-Band satellite constellation.

The O3b Networks’ Ka-Band satellite constellation will be used for telecommunications and data backhaul from remote locations, and consumer broadband Internet services for maritime customers. It is indicated to be a multi-year, multi-million dollar project and will provide high-speed satellite-delivered broadband service at sea through the integration of Norsat’s LNBs into maritime systems.

According to O3b, thousands of guests aboard networked maritime vessels will be able to access Norsat technology-powered O3b network’s connectivity by summer 2013 through the Ka-Band satellite constellation.

Amiee Chan, president and CEO, Norsat, said in a statement, “We’re pleased to be selected as a preferred vendor to O3b Networks and look forward to building the first Medium Earth Orbit satellite constellation through this partnership.”

Chan added, “The customizations we’ve introduced to our leading edge microwave products make them ideal for projects with high reliability requirements, such as communications at sea. This new partnership with O3b is another milestone as we deliver on our mission to develop innovative communications products and services for challenging applications and environments.”

In recent related news, O3b Networks expanded its partnership with Harris CapRock (News - Alert) Communications – a provider of managed communication solutions for remote and harsh environments. Harris CapRock will be providing O3B with an advanced communications solution for advanced broadband services at sea for additional Royal Caribbean International Vessel.