Viasat and Altán Join Forces to Launch First-of-Its-Kind LTE Home and Mobile Broadband Service over Satellite in Mexico

Rhea-AI Summary

Viasat (NASDAQ: VSAT) has launched a groundbreaking home and mobile broadband service in Mexico, partnering with telecommunications wholesaler Altán. The service combines satellite and wireless LTE technologies to provide cellular coverage in previously unserved areas. Currently available in 13 Mexican states, the service reaches over 150,000 individuals through strategically positioned LTE towers, some powered by solar panels. The initiative addresses Mexico's connectivity gap, where approximately 30% of the population lacks broadband access. Through the Mexico Ambassador Program launched in 2021, Viasat partners with local representatives to promote digital literacy and inclusion in remote communities.

Positive

• Expansion into new market segment through innovative LTE-satellite hybrid service
• Strategic partnership with Mexican telecommunications wholesaler Altán
• Service already operational in 13 states reaching 150,000 potential customers
• Cost-efficient infrastructure implementation through solar-powered towers

Negative

• None.

Insights

Market Research Analyst

This strategic partnership between Viasat and Altán represents a significant market expansion opportunity in Mexico's underserved broadband market. With 38 million people lacking broadband access, the addressable market is substantial. The initial rollout covering 13 states and reaching 150,000 individuals demonstrates strong execution capability.

The innovative combination of satellite and LTE technology, coupled with solar-powered infrastructure, provides a sustainable competitive advantage in remote areas. The Mexico Ambassador Program's focus on digital inclusion and female empowerment adds a strong social impact component that could lead to faster market penetration and customer loyalty. This positions Viasat well against traditional telecom providers in rural Mexico.

Tech Expert

The technical implementation here is noteworthy, combining satellite backhaul with LTE front-end to create a hybrid connectivity solution. The solar-powered LTE towers represent an elegant solution to power infrastructure challenges in remote areas, reducing operational costs and environmental impact while ensuring service reliability.

This architecture enables Viasat to deliver cellular coverage with minimal ground infrastructure investment compared to traditional cellular networks. The integration with Altán's shared mobile network provides immediate network effect benefits and reduces time-to-market. This technological approach could serve as a blueprint for similar deployments in other developing markets.

MEXICO CITY, Nov. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Viasat, Inc. (NASDAQ: VSAT), a global communications company, today announced the launch of its innovative home and mobile broadband service in Mexico. Viasat, in collaboration with Altán, the Mexican telecommunications wholesaler, will integrate Viasat's satellite and wireless LTE technologies with Altán's shared mobile network and provide cellular coverage for consumers in previously uncovered areas across Mexico. Viasat's service is available today in 13 states across Mexico, providing cellular coverage to more than one hundred and fifty thousand individuals, enabling them to take advantage of internet connectivity.

Innovative satellite and wireless technology

Viasat's innovative service seamlessly combines cutting-edge satellite and wireless systems to provide LTE over satellite via a cost-efficient, power-independent, wireless LTE infrastructure. The company's ultra-low-cost wireless LTE towers are strategically positioned across Mexico's most remote areas, providing access to connectivity in regions with cellular coverage that until now had been minimal or non-existent. While some LTE towers utilize solar panels as a backup power source, others are entirely solar-powered, ensuring that hard-to-reach communities remain connected even when disconnected from the main power grid.

Connecting the unconnected in Mexico

This collaboration aims to expand the availability of high-speed broadband to remote communities throughout Mexico. According to the U.S. Department of Commerce's International Trade Administration, approximately 30 percent of Mexico's population—more than 38 million people—live in areas without broadband access. 

In an effort to bring connectivity to remote communities in Mexico, Viasat launched the Mexico Ambassador Program in 2021. The program partners with local representatives, mostly women, to share knowledge and expertise in areas connected by Viasat technology. By training the ambassadors in developing digital skills, the program promotes gender equality and digital inclusion.

"Viasat is revolutionizing Mexican communities by providing fast, reliable, secure, affordable, and high-quality internet access," said Hector Rivero, general manager of Mexico broadband at Viasat. "With this service, we are fueling digital inclusion and empowering teachers and students with educational resources, improving healthcare through telemedicine, facilitating communication for families separated by migration, and stimulating local commerce with digital tools."

Positive impact on Mexican communities

Marisol resides in Toxtla, Puebla and actively participates in the ambassador program there. Although she did not complete her formal education, she is deeply involved in community initiatives.

Marisol identified a critical need for digital literacy among her community members, especially women. She highlighted challenges such as fear of the internet, difficulties in navigating social media, and limited access to online health information.

Participating in Viasat's Mexico Ambassador Program has empowered Marisol. She acquired essential digital skills, including smartphone usage, internet access, and platform navigation. This newfound knowledge has enabled her to assist others and achieve personal milestones, such as renting her own home. Marisol aspires to build her own home, a testament to her determination and the positive impact of digital inclusion.

About Viasat

Viasat is a global communications company that believes everyone and everything in the world can be connected. With offices in 24 countries around the world, our mission shapes how consumers, businesses, governments and militaries around the world communicate and connect. Viasat is developing the ultimate global communications network to power high-quality, reliable, secure, affordable, fast connections to positively impact people's lives anywhere they are—on the ground, in the air or at sea, while building a sustainable future in space. In May 2023, Viasat completed its acquisition of Inmarsat, combining the teams, technologies and resources of the two companies to create a new global communications partner. Learn more at www.viasat.com, the Viasat News Room or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X or YouTube. 

Copyright © 2024 Viasat, Inc. All rights reserved. Viasat, the Viasat logo and the Viasat Signal are registered in the U.S and in other countries to Viasat, Inc. All other product or company names mentioned are used for identification purposes only and may be trademarks of their respective owners.

Forward-Looking Statements 

This press release contains forward-looking statements that are subject to the safe harbors created under the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Forward-looking statements include statements that refer to the collaboration between Viasat and Altán; and plans to expand service across Mexico. Readers are cautioned that actual results could differ materially and adversely from those expressed in any forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ include: our ability to successfully implement our business plan for our broadband services on our anticipated timeline or at all; risks associated with the construction, launch and operation of satellites, including the effect of any anomaly, operational failure or degradation in satellite performance; our ability to successfully develop, introduce and sell new technologies, products and services; changes in relationships with, or the financial condition of, key customers or suppliers; our reliance on a limited number of third parties to manufacture and supply our products; contractual problems, or other issues with our sales, fulfillment and support partners; product defects, manufacturing issues or delays, regulatory issues; technologies that do not perform according to expectations; and increased competition and other factors affecting the connectivity sector, generally. In addition, please refer to the risk factors contained in Viasat's SEC filings available at www.sec.gov, including Viasat's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date on which they are made. Viasat undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements for any reason.

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SOURCE Viasat, Inc.

FAQ

What is Viasat's new service launch in Mexico?

Viasat (VSAT) has launched a combined home and mobile broadband service that integrates satellite and LTE technologies in partnership with Altán, currently available in 13 Mexican states.

How many people can access Viasat's new Mexican broadband service?

The service currently provides cellular coverage to more than 150,000 individuals across 13 states in Mexico.

When did Viasat launch its Mexico Ambassador Program?

Viasat launched the Mexico Ambassador Program in 2021 to promote digital literacy and inclusion in remote communities.

What percentage of Mexico's population lacks broadband access according to Viasat's announcement?

According to the U.S. Department of Commerce's International Trade Administration, approximately 30% of Mexico's population (over 38 million people) lives in areas without broadband access.