Satellite Connectivity Provider Viasat Puts International Sales Within Reach For Partners

Partners can now sell satellite connectivity provider Viasat's broadband services into Mexico, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Satellite broadband provider Viasat is extending the reach of its business internet services into new regions for channel partners.

Viasat partners can now sell its high-speed satellite broadband services into Mexico, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, Eric Stark, director of sales, global business solutions for Viasat, told CRN.

Viasat's connectivity services has been available in Mexico, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands since early 2019, but the company's latest expansion opens up international access to Viasat's U.S.-based master agents and, by extension, subagent partners for the first time, Stark said.

"Our channel partners can sell to their customers outside of the U.S., and we are really excited because it's a step we've been looking to take for a long time," he said.

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Partners expanding their own business into these regions can sell Viasat as either a primary or secondary connectivity service without having to go through another in-country provider. Stark said. Viasat's connectivity can be installed in three to five business days.

"Almost every week we are being approached by partners for global locations, so we know the need is there," Stark said. "This [expansion] gives partners a tool in their toolbox they didn't have before and earn a residual," he said.

Stark said that nearly every channel partner has customers that don't have access to broadband internet. In addition to its international presence, Viasat can provide high-speed, broadband internet to 96 percent of the U.S. population. The only state Viasat doesn't offer complete coverage to today is Alaska.

Carlsbad, Calif.-based Viasat's expansion into Mexico, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands is the "first of many steps" Viasat will take as it plans to grow its international presence and continue to provide out-of-reach connectivity to businesses, Stark said.

Channel-focused Viasat has plans to launch three new satellites within the next three years. The first satellite will cover North and South America, the second will cover Europe, the Middle East and Africa, and the third will cover Asia-Pacific.

The company wants to take on new customers, which will expand opportunities for the channel. The expansion will help put large multinational enterprises within reach of more partners, according to Stark.

"We want to deliver internet around the world to people who need it most," he said. "This is just the next step in our journey to be able to do that."