WANSat Networks Inc, a local Internet Service Provider (ISP), yesterday announced that it has signed an agreement with Viasat to distribute its satellite broadband services in Guyana.
The statement said that Viasat is a global leader in satellite communica-tions that leverages its satellite network to power high-quality, secure, affordable, fast connections and help close the global digital gap. The distribution agreement will see the provision of satellite broadband capacity from the Viasat-3 satellite platform once it is launched and operational. According to Viasat’s Q3 FY23 earnings call, the company anticipates launch of the Viasat-3 for the Americas satellite the week of April 8.
WANSat said its services will include marketing, installing, and providing on-site services to broadband customers in Guyana as a licensed ISP, in collaboration with its local partners. The agreement with WANSat gives Viasat a strategic local partner and channel to meet the growing connectivity needs in Guyana.
WANSat’s goal, according to the release, is to enable Guyanese to reach 100% internet penetration by 2025, using satellite to extend internet coverage beyond the extremities of current wireless and wireline providers.
Commenting on the agreement, Head of Fixed Broadband, Latin America and Global Prepaid Internet Kevin Cohen said: “Through this collaboration, Viasat can offer its high-quality satellite broadband connectivity across Guyana, including hard-to-reach regions. Our ability to connect unconnected communities helps create new opportunities for the people of Guyana including access to online services such as tele-medicine, distance learning, business critical tools, and entertainment and e-government services. The upcoming launch of the Viasat-3 for the Americas satellite will continue to fuel our mission to bring connectivity where it is needed most and help close the global digital gap,” according to the release.
It also quoted Managing Director of WANSat Andre Jones as saying, “At WANSat, we pride ourselves in bringing the latest in satellite technology to the Guyanese public. Leveraging Viasat’s advanced satellite technology and our expertise in satellite communications will enable us to provide cutting-edge solutions for the government of Guyana, enterprise customers, and residential customers in the remotest regions of the country. There are still tens of thousands of people in Guyana without any access to the internet, or access to a high-quality, reliable broadband internet connection — we’re going to change that.”
