Page 90 - SAMENA Trends - October-December 2024

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Viasat and Altan Partner to Boost Cellular Coverage in Mexico

Global communications company Viasat has announced the across Mexico, providing cellular coverage to more than 150,000
launch of a home and mobile broadband service in Mexico that, individuals. The company adds that its ultra-low-cost wireless
they say, will boost cellular coverage in the country. Viasat, LTE towers are strategically positioned across Mexico's most
in collaboration with Altan, the Mexican telecommunications remote areas, providing access to connectivity in regions where
wholesaler, will integrate Viasat's satellite and wireless LTE cellular coverage had until now had been minimal or non-existent.
technologies with Altan's shared mobile network and provide Some LTE towers utilize solar panels as a backup power source,
cellular coverage for consumers in previously uncovered areas while others are entirely solar powered. This collaboration aims
across Mexico. Viasat says its innovative service seamlessly to expand the availability of high-speed broadband to remote
combines cutting-edge satellite and wireless systems to provide communities throughout Mexico. Viasat say that according to the
LTE over satellite via a cost-efficient, power-independent, wireless US Department of Commerce's International Trade Administration,
LTE infrastructure. Viasat's service is available today in 13 states approximately 30% of Mexico's population – more than 38 million
people – live in areas without broadband access. In an effort to bring
connectivity to remote communities in Mexico, Viasat launched
the Mexico Ambassador Program in 2021. The program partners
with local representatives, mostly women, to share knowledge
and expertise in areas connected by Viasat technology. By
training the ambassadors in developing digital skills, the program
promotes gender equality and digital inclusion. Hector Rivero,
general manager of Mexico broadband at Viasat, says: “Viasat is
revolutionizing Mexican communities by providing fast, reliable,
secure, affordable, and high-quality internet access.” He adds:
“With this service, we are fueling digital inclusion and empowering
teachers and students with educational resources, improving
healthcare through telemedicine, facilitating communication for
families separated by migration, and stimulating local commerce
with digital tools."

SpaceX Launches OneWeb 20 Mission

A set of satellites for the European California around 10:13 p.m. local time. founded from the merger of Eutelsat and
internet provider EutelsatOneWeb were The rocket's first-stage booster landed on OneWeb in 2023, is headquartered in
successfully launched by SpaceX late a landing pad about eight minutes after the London and is a subsidiary of the French
Saturday night. The satellites were launch. “Deployment of OneWeb satellites satellite internet giant Eutelsat Group.
launched by a Falcon 9 rocket from SLC- complete,” SpaceX said on social media After the launch, Eutelsat Group chief
4Eat the Vandenberg Space Force Base in after the launch. The firm Eutelsat OneWeb, executive Eva Berneke said the company
was “delighted” to have successfully
contacted each of the 20 satellites. “We
are delighted to see the successful launch
and deployment of new OneWeb satellites.
These satellites will strengthen our network
services, improving overall performance
for our customers,” Bernekesaid. “As we
celebrate the anniversary of the merger
with Eutelsatand OneWeb, we are excited
by the growing demand for our multi-
orbit services and we remain committed
to delivering value for our customers
and shareholders.” The company is now
believed to have nearly 700 functional
satellites in its constellation, after a
previous OneWeb launch with SpaceX in
May 2023 -- before its Eutelsat merger.

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