Nigerian flag. Photo: Freepik

Viasat has received approval in Nigeria to operate as an Internet Service Provider (ISP), the company announced Tuesday. The satellite operator is now licensed to operate as an ISP, with a Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) license and three Earth Stations in Motion (ESIM) licenses. These licenses from the Nigerian Communications Commission are to operate within the 28 GHz Ka-band satellite frequency band. 

This move ties in with Viasat’s efforts to expand its global portfolio ahead of the ViaSat-3 satellite launch in 2022, which will cover Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. The operator recently completed its purchase of Eutelsat’s share of Euro Broadband Infrastructure (EBI), which will diversify its business in Europe. 

With this approval, Viasat has kicked off an internet trial in five Nigerian communities to connect approximately 15,000 people. 

“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,” commented Rick Baldridge, president and CEO of 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.”