Košice, Slovakia. Photo: Patrick Hendriksen/Tucquero/Wikimedia Commons)

Viasat is partnering with the Košice region of Slovakia to provide high-speed internet to Ukrainian refugees in Eastern Slovakia. The satellite operator announced April 14 that its community internet sites are being installed across Eastern Slovakia for refugee connectivity.

Viasat’s community internet service creates a public Wi-Fi hotspot connected by a Viasat satellite. The company said this will help provide connectivity to some of the thousands of refugees who have arrived in Slovakia since the beginning of Russia’s war in Ukraine. Rastislav Trnka, president of the Košice region, said the area welcomes Viasat’s satellite internet to provide refugees with immediate access to critical information and communications.

This effort is powered by the KA-SAT network which operates in Ukraine. The KA-SAT network recently suffered a cyberattack that affected modems across Ukraine and Europe. Viasat said in a report about the incident that it was a “deliberate” attack intended to interrupt service. 

“Today we are demonstrating our mission to provide high-quality connectivity across the globe by helping Ukrainian refugees. By partnering with the Košice region, we can provide a much-needed resource to Ukrainians during this incredible time of need,” said Evan Dixon, president of Global Fixed Broadband at Viasat.