The Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC) granted Viasat, a global communications company, full-suite operating licences, including the VSAT licence, three Earth Stations in Motion licence and Internet Service provider (ISP) licence to improve the satellite internet connectivity in remote areas in Nigeria.  

The NCC granted Viasat multiple licenses to operate within the 28GHz Ka-band satellite frequency band. 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 across Africa. This is in line with the company’s vision to launch ViaSat-3. The ViaSat-3 satellite, an ultra-high-capacity global satellite constellation that comprises three communications satellites aimed to serve Africa, Europe and the Middle East, will be launched in 2022.

“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 Rick Baldridge, president and CEO Viasat. “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 licensing 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 underserved Nigerian communities covering approximately 15,000 people.