O3b Networks - which is launching its next-generation satellite constellation for satellite services with fiber-like speeds - and Kymeta Corporation - the company commercializing innovative software-enabled metamaterials-based electronic beamforming antennas for satellite communications - have announced an agreement to develop flat panel satellite antennas for the O3b network.

The flat, thin, light and low cost antennas and terminals developed by Kymeta in combination with O3b Networks high speed, low latency and low cost Internet services are expected to open a wide range of new markets worldwide.

"O3b's network with fiber-like speeds is a natural fit for Kymeta antennas that electronically acquire and track non-geostationary satellites. The O3b network architecture is a perfect fit for Kymeta's unique technology and capabilities."

The two companies will jointly develop the unique satellite tracking antennas and terminals to be optimized for the fast and affordable satellite services that O3b will be offering. The agreement will result in a prototype by the end of 2014, at which point a range of antenna and terminal products with various form factors will be announced by the two companies.

Steve Collar, CEO of O3b Networks said, "At O3b, we are striving to bring the benefits of affordable, low latency bandwidth to a growing number of people around the world and to delivering an ever expanding set of applications.

"Kymeta's flat, light, low cost and low maintenance antennas promise to provide O3b customers an extremely powerful, high-performance solution at a very attractive price. Kymeta antennas will have utility across all our market segments and we are excited to be partnering together to develop this highly innovative and game changing technology."

"We are excited to expand our strategic relationship with O3b," said Bob McCambridge, President and COO of Kymeta.

"O3b's network with fiber-like speeds is a natural fit for Kymeta antennas that electronically acquire and track non-geostationary satellites. The O3b network architecture is a perfect fit for Kymeta's unique technology and capabilities."