The satellite operator, backed by Google, SES, Liberty Global and Sofina, has now raised $1.9bn in total financing and will spend the cash on another eight satellites.

O3b Networks, a UK-based satellite operator backed by Google, satellite operator SES and diversified holding company Sofina, closed $460m in incremental financing from undisclosed investors yesterday.

Founded in 2007, O3b operates a network of satellites that are used by telecommunication network operators, internet service providers, business and government customers. It has signed up 40 customers in total since it launched the service commercially in September 2014.

The funding will support the purchase of eight satellites from Thales Alenia Space, expanding…