Installing the VSAT uplink only for IoT device communications is not guaranteed to be enough to justify the ongoing costs. That is why the IaaS business model is currently being tested by Okra Solar and ATE Co (local energy service provider) in Maybuho, Philippines, to offer general-purpose internet to the community, who will purchase vouchers for specific amounts of data.
Based on the data from the IaaS business model test run in Maybuho, the costs of providing internet service via VSAT can be recovered through additional revenue from internet sales, provided the community is sufficiently large, and monthly fees are in the ranges the local energy service provider is able to procure.
Overall, providing IaaS should be able to cover the set-up costs and also provide additional value to the rural community that did not priorly have access to internet connectivity.