For students in rural Mexico, having internet access is essential for class- and homework. Photo: Viasat

Viasat and Facebook are collaborating to accelerate the deployment of high-speed internet to communities that lack reliable internet, or have no connectivity at all. The collaboration will help accelerate the deployment of Viasat’s satellite-enabled Community Wi-Fi hotspot service. The Viasat service requires minimal local infrastructure and aims to be rapidly scalable in emerging markets.

As part of this collaboration, Viasat will place high-speed satellite Wi-Fi hotspots — delivered as a pre-paid service — at thousands of rural locations. Facebook is investing in the roll-out and working with Viasat to help identify optimal deployment locations within Viasat’s current and planned satellite coverage. The collaboration will initially focus on Mexico, bringing internet connectivity to remote regions of the country, with an opportunity to expand globally.

“Facebook is committed to working with industry partners around the world to help bring more people online to a faster internet,” said Facebook Connectivity Vice President (VP) Dan Rabinovitsj, vice president. “Viasat’s rapidly growing Community Wi-Fi hotspot service, already available to over one million people in rural Mexico, is an example of a model that can help overcome the global connectivity challenges of accessibility and affordability, particularly in hard to reach rural areas. We are excited to partner with an industry leader like Viasat to accelerate Wi-Fi network deployments. Our joint initiative will enable more people to connect with friends and family, share knowledge and access education and career opportunities.”