Viasat Inc., a global communications company, has has been granted a full suite of operating licenses—Internet Service Provider (ISP) license, VSAT license and three Earth Stations in Motion (ESIM) licenses— in Nigeria.
Working in partnership with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the license will enable Viasat to bring high-quality satellite internet connectivity to Nigerian communities where limited or no internet service is currently available.
The NCC granted Viasat multiple licenses to operate within the 28GHz Ka-band satellite frequency band.
It can be recalled that on Tuesday, February 10, 2020, a team from Viasat, a commercial satellite operator, visited the NCC to give an update on its readiness to deploy satellite broadband services in Nigeria.
The Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) of NCC, Prof. Umar Danbatta, later said the Commission was gratified by the interest shown by Viasat in the ever-expanding telecommunication industry in the country.
Flip to May 2021, the company is now preparing on rolling out services using 28GHz Ka-band spectrum which enables satellite broadband to be the fastest growing segment of satellite communications, and the leading global broadband solution to connect the estimated 3.6 billion people in the world left behind by terrestrial infrastructure.
With access to the 28GHz Ka-band spectrum, Viasat will be positioned to expand its satellite-based internet connectivity service to more regions and citizens across Africa—ahead of the launch of ViaSat-3, its ultra-high capacity global satellite constellation comprised of three communications satellites.
“We are proud to be working with the NCC and the Ministry of Communication and Digital Economy to help the Nigerian government achieve their broadband goals to improve the quality of life of its citizens,” said the President and CEO, Viasat, Rick Baldridge.
Continuing, Baldridge, said, “We believe our proven satellite internet solution, will bring cost-effective internet services to Nigerian towns where large gaps exist between demand and the affordability and availability of internet services. We want to thank the NCC for granting us the license framework required, and for preserving 28GHz Ka-band spectrum for satellite-based services that will greatly contribute to breaking down barriers required to achieve digital and social inclusion for all of Nigeria.”
Since being granted the licenses, Viasat has begun a trial program to connect five unserved Nigerian communities covering approximately 15,000 people.
Viasat plans to provide details on the trials later this year.
