Viasat's Satellite Internet Helps Reduce Brazil's Digital Gap

Rhea-AI Summary

Viasat has reached a significant milestone by deploying its services to 50,000 locations across Brazil, enhancing internet access for over 9 million Brazilians through the Wi-Fi Brasil program. By becoming the first ISP to provide residential connectivity nationwide, Viasat closes the digital gap in remote areas. The partnership with Telebras enables over 20,000 internet access points, benefiting rural schools and communities. Additionally, a new localized brand reflects Viasat's commitment to Brazil's diverse culture and connectivity growth.

Positive

• Reached 50,000 sites in Brazil, enhancing digital access.
• Served over 9 million Brazilians via the Wi-Fi Brasil program.
• Introduced a localized Viasat brand reflecting Brazilian culture.
• Connected over 20,000 internet access points in rural areas.

Negative

• None.

Company's in-market investment grows as it reaches 50,000 locations, introduces localized brand and serves more than 9 million Brazilians through the Wi-Fi Brasil program

SAO PAULO, July 27, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Viasat, Inc. (NASDAQ: VSAT), a global communications company, has reached the 50,000 sites mark in Brazil, helping to close the country's digital gap through the provision of high-speed satellite internet across the country. This achievement, combined with the introduction of its Brazil brand, further fuels Viasat's in-market commitment and investment. The company, operating in Brazil since 2018, has become the first internet service provider (ISP) to offer residential connectivity in 100% of the country.

Internet via satellite can reach more remote regions even where other ISPs cannot, creating economic opportunities for businesses and communities that previously did not have access to reliable and high-quality internet.

Viasat's Internet services have also enabled people to work remotely from their homes, access online entertainment, stay in touch with their loved ones, and more, even in regions far from commercial centers. The company's portfolio of internet services offered in Brazil includes residential, business and the Federal Government's Wi-Fi Brasil program in partnership with Telebras.

Viasat's impact across Brazil: In partnership with Telebras, through the SGDC-1 satellite Viasat has connected government agencies and millions of students through the Wi-Fi Brasil program resulting in more than 20,000 internet access points, including 10,000 points located in rural and indigenous schools, health posts, public service facilities, non-profit organizations and more. As a result, more than five million students who previously lacked internet in these rural schools and indigenous communities can now benefit from online access. Together, Viasat, Telebras and the Wi-Fi Brasil program have boosted the social and digital inclusion of more than nine million Brazilians through internet access points installed in 3,055 cities.

"Surpassing 50,000 sites since becoming Brazil's first and only nationwide residential internet service provider 18 months ago is a testament of our growth in the Brazilian market. To further drive our commitment across Brazil, we are also introducing a localized Viasat brand that includes more vibrant colors which reflects the essence of Brazilian culture. These achievements combined with our collaboration with Telebras and the Wi-Fi Brasil program demonstrate our investment across Brazil to help reduce the country's digital gap and create economic opportunities by providing many Brazilians with the ability to use the internet, many for the first time," says Leandro Gaunszer, Managing Director of Viasat Brazil.

While Viasat's customers are located throughout the country, 33% of its customers are in the Northeast, followed by 25% in the North and 21% in the Southeast. In terms of consumption habits, 27% of Viasat customers are using its satellite internet service to access and send messages on social networks such as WhatsApp, Facebook and Tik Tok, followed by 21% of customers using the service to access video and streaming services including YouTube and Netflix. Finally, 16% of customers use Viasat's service for browsing.

About Viasat
Viasat is a global communications company that believes everyone and everything in the world can be connected. For 35 years, Viasat has helped shape how consumers, businesses, governments and militaries around the world communicate. Today, the Company is developing the ultimate global communications network to power high-quality, secure, affordable, fast connections to impact people's lives anywhere they are—on the ground, in the air or at sea. To learn more about Viasat, visit: www.viasat.com, go to Viasat's Corporate Blog, or follow the Company on social media:  Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter or YouTube.

To learn more about Viasat internet service offerings in Brazil, call 0800 948 9010 or visit www.viasat.com.br.

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 expected capabilities and benefits of the ViaSat-3 satellite constellation including more speed, data and streaming; and the pricing, coverage, benefits, speed, quality and other performance and plan features of Viasat residential internet in Brazil. 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: risks associated with the construction, launch and operation of Viasat's satellites, including the effect of any anomaly, operational failure or degradation in satellite performance; risks associated with the operation of the SGDC-1 satellite, including the effect of any anomaly, operational failure or degradation in satellite performance; the ability to successfully implement Viasat's business plan for broadband satellite services on Viasat's anticipated timeline for all; contractual problems, or other issues with our sales, fulfillment and support partner; product defects, manufacturing issues or delays, regulatory issues; technologies that do not perform according to expectations; Viasat's ability to realize the anticipated benefits of its satellite platforms; 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.

Copyright © 2022 Viasat, Inc. All rights reserved. Viasat, the Viasat logo and the Viasat signal are registered trademarks of Viasat, Inc. All other product or company names mentioned are used for identification purposes only and may be trademarks of their respective owners.

 

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SOURCE Viasat, Inc.

FAQ

What is the significance of Viasat reaching 50,000 locations in Brazil?

Viasat's achievement of 50,000 locations signifies enhanced internet accessibility for millions, particularly in underserved areas.

How does Viasat's Wi-Fi Brasil program impact Brazilian communities?

The Wi-Fi Brasil program connects over 9 million Brazilians and provides internet access to rural schools, significantly reducing the digital divide.

What percentage of Viasat customers are located in the Northeast of Brazil?

Approximately 33% of Viasat's customers are situated in the Northeast region of Brazil.

What type of internet services does Viasat provide in Brazil?

Viasat offers residential, business, and government internet services, including the Wi-Fi Brasil program.