The non-binding agreement will leverage satellite broadband capacity from Viasat's current satellite systems and the ViaSat-3 satellite platform once it is launched and operational.
Viasat has signed an MoU with Bahrain Telecommunication Company (Batelco) to distribute satellite broadband connectivity to the Middle East and North Africa region.
The non-binding MoU between Viasat and Batelco focuses on the potential commercialisation and distribution of satellite broadband connectivity to businesses in the MENA region.
The companies also plan to explore other potential service areas including hybrid connectivity solutions combining satellite and terrestrial broadband for businesses; corporate local area network extension services; satellite connectivity for mobile backhaul; and IoT business to business applications.
Viasat and Batelco seek to leverage satellite broadband capacity from Viasat’s current satellite systems, with plans to evolve to the ViaSat-3 satellite platform, once launched and operational. As a first step of the MoU, the companies expect to implement a proof-of-concept trial within the next several months.
Commenting on the deal, Peter Langkilde, Viasat’s General Manager, Broadband Services, Europe, Middle East and Africa said: “Viasat is on a path to bring high-quality broadband connectivity. By signing an MoU with Batelco, we can strategically explore various business synergies and collaborations with a proven market leader in the MENA regionahead of the launch of our next-generation ViaSat-3 satellite constellation. We recognize Batelco shares a similar customer philosophyto deliver a superior customer experienceand we’re looking forward to discovering new opportunities for our advanced B2B broadband services.”
Abdulla Danesh, Enterprise General Manager added: “At Batelco, we pride ourselves in bringing the latest in technology to our customers. We believe that this opportunity with Viasat will deliver just that. Leveraging Viasat’s advanced satellite technology and our expertise in the market will enable us to provide cutting-edge solutions for enterprise customers in the region- a venture we are very excited about.”
