TECH DIGEST – In a bid to bring high-quality satellite internet connectivity to Nigerian communities where limited or no internet service is currently available, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has decided to grant Viasat Incorporated full operating licenses.

The license, which is a full suite of operating licenses such as Internet Service Provider (ISP) license, VSAT license and three Earth Stations in Motion (ESIM) licenses will allow Viasat to operate within the 28GHz Ka-band satellite frequency band.

Speaking on the license granted to the company, Rick Baldridge, President and CEO of Viasat, said the company is proud to be working with the NCC and the Ministry of Communication and Digital Economy to help the Nigerian government achieve their broadband goals, which will ultimately, improve the quality of life of its citizens.

“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,” he said.

Baldridge also thank NCC for granting the license and for preserving the 28GHz Ka-band spectrum for satellite-based services that will greatly contribute to breaking down Internet barriers, which were hitherto not available to achieve digital and social inclusion for all Nigerians.

Already, 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.

The 28GHz Ka-band spectrum has enabled 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.

A ViaSat-3 satellite, aimed to serve Africa, as well as Europe and the Middle East, is planned for launch in 2022.

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