Viasat Collaborates with Mexico’s Federal Electricity Commission Division of Technology and Internet for All to Help Close Country’s Digital Gap
Viasat Inc. (NASDAQ: VSAT), a global communications company, and CFE-TEIT (CFE Telecommunications and Internet for All), the communications subsidiary of Mexico’s Federal Electricity Commission, have signed an agreement to provide high-quality satellite connectivity to 850 underserved communities across Mexico. The communities will use Viasat’s Community Internet service to provide free internet access to people in public places, schools and health centers.
According to DataReportal, more than 34 million Mexicans did not use the internet at the beginning of 2022. Through the agreement, Viasat plans to offer its satellite connectivity across parts of Mexico where other internet service providers (ISP) are unable to or choose not to do so. Working together with CFE TEIT, Viasat’s satellite technology is expected to deliver an enhanced internet experience, through public Wi-Fi hotspots, for Mexican citizens in unserved and underserved communities. The purpose of CFE TEIT is to lend and provide telecommunications services, without profit, to guarantee the right of access to information and communication technologies, including broadband and internet.
The Viasat Community Internet service implements a public Wi-Fi hotspot connected and enabled by a Viasat satellite to deliver high-speed internet service. The Viasat Community Internet service seeks to improve the quality of life of unserved and underserved individuals and communities by giving them better access to online tools, resources and streaming video.
Kevin Cohen, head of Viasat’s fixed broadband business in Latin America, commented, “By collaborating with the Mexican government through the CFE TEIT, Viasat is able to further help close the country’s digital gap by providing communities with access to the internet – at no cost to the end user. Reaching the most challenged areas with our high-quality satellite connectivity will allow people to access online education, telehealth and create new economic opportunities. This agreement enables Viasat to continues its mission to deliver connectivity where it is needed most.”
Since 2018, Viasat has successfully deployed its fast and reliable internet service across Mexico, using satellite connectivity to deliver affordable internet service to communities, residential and small business customers in areas that previously had no access to internet. Viasat’s Mexico internet services uses bandwidth from its ViaSat-2 satellite to deliver affordable, high-quality internet connectivity.