Satellite communications company O3b Networks said Monday it has raised $1.2 billion from a group of investors and banks, its final funding round before the launch of its global satellite broadband network.

O3b, which is backed by Google Inc. (GOOG), plans to launch its fiber-quality Internet service serving emerging markets in the first half of 2013, after securing $770 million of debt financing and $410 million of equity investment.

O3b shareholders include Google, satellite operator SES SA (008808732.LU), HSBC Holdings PLC (HSBA.LN), and Liberty Global Inc. (LBTYA). Following the fundraising SES is the largest shareholder.

Thales Alenia Space, a joint venture between Thales SA (HO.FR) and Finmeccanica SpA (FNC.MI), is currently building O3b's first eight Ka-band satellites.

The firm's name refers to the "other 3 billion" people in the world currently without access to broadband Internet.

-By Tommy Stubbington, Dow Jones Newswires; 44-20-7842-9268; tommy.stubbington@dowjones.com
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