O3b internet satellites 'four times closer' to Earth

Financing has been secured for one of the most ambitious commercial space projects of the decade.

O3b Networks has raised $1.2bn (£700m) for a series of satellites that will support super-fast broadband connections to Africa and other emerging markets.

The company's spacecraft will be much closer to Earth than traditional geostationary telecommunications platforms.

CEO Mark Rigolle spoke to the BBC's Owen Thomas about the importance of the project and explained how the new satellites will work.