New ViaSat Global Aero Terminal is First to Combine Ku- and Ka-band In Single, Integrated System
Enables global roaming by automatically connecting to best available service
CARLSBAD, Calif., Oct. 15, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Broadband connectivity at 35,000 feet (10,688 meters) is growing in several dimensions. More aircraft are installing onboard broadband systems, more data is being consumed while in-flight, and the expectation for service network performance is increasing. Anticipating this growth, ViaSat Inc. (NASDAQ: VSAT) has developed a hybrid shipset designed to deliver high-performance mobile services worldwide over both the Ku and Ka frequency bands, enabling an aircraft to connect to the best service available depending on its location. The terminal, designed for transport-size commercial and VIP aircraft, enables a high-performance, high-speed service level to every person or device connected for personal entertainment and office-in-the-sky applications.
In late July, ViaSat conducted two airborne trials of the ViaSat Global Aero Terminal 5320 (GAT-5320), the latest addition to a portfolio of broadband antennas, modems, and airborne internet services. The hours-long flights on a Boeing 757 used three different satellite networks, connecting with six Ka- and Ku-band satellites. Onboard testers were able to simultaneously connect multiple wireless devices to high-bandwidth applications such as multi-site videoconferencing, social media, and live streaming of HD TV and movies.
The GAT-5320 shipset provides operators with access to aviation's newest satellite connectivity technology, meeting the expectations for a premium experience for dozens of passengers on an aircraft and multiple aircraft in the same air-space.
"The successful tests show that we are ready to provide our general aviation, government, and commercial airline customers with the industry's highest performing, most advanced global airborne service," said Ken Peterman, senior VP at ViaSat. "With our global Ku-band network, ViaSat-1, and our planned ViaSat-2 launch in 2016, we are continuing to increase the capacity, coverage, and performance of our global network. The new terminal future-proofs the shipset decision for this class of aircraft with its ability to take advantage of multiple satellite bands."
The fuselage-mounted terminal integrates these ViaSat components:
- Single antenna system with separate Ku and Ka apertures that can automatically connect with the best available ViaSat service for global roaming, including the same Ka aperature used on the JetBlue and United fleets.
- Baseband systems for both Ku- and Ka-band satellite services.
- New, single radome for the combined Ku/Ka antenna.
The GAT-5320 is available for delivery to general aviation customers in April 2015, with service available in June. The terminal is being quoted to completion centers now. Please visit ViaSat at NBAA 2014, October 21-23 in Orlando, booth 3609 to learn more.
About ViaSat (www.viasat.com)
ViaSat creates satellite and other wireless networking systems that efficiently deliver the most bandwidth for fast, secure, and high-performance communications to any location for consumers, governments, enterprises, and the military. The company offers Exede® services in North America, which feature ViaSat-1, the world's highest capacity satellite; worldwide mobile satellite services, including global tracking and messaging as well as high-speed in-flight internet; satellite broadband networking systems; Wi-Fi and other hotspot operations, support, and management systems; and network-centric military communication systems and cybersecurity for the U.S. and allied governments. ViaSat also offers communication system design and a number of complementary products and technologies. Based in Carlsbad, California, ViaSat employs over 3,300 people in a number of locations worldwide for technology development, customer service, and network operations.
Safe Harbor Statement
This press release contains forward-looking statements that are subject to the safe harbors created under the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Forward looking statements include statements about the performance, capacity and coverage of ViaSat's global network, the expected availability of the Global Aero Terminal, and the launch of ViaSat-2. Readers are cautioned that actual results could differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ include: risks associated with the construction, launch and operation of satellites used to supply these new services, including the effect of any anomaly, operational failure or degradation in satellite performance; negative audits by the U.S. government; continued turmoil in the global business environment and economic conditions; delays in approving U.S. government budgets and cuts in government defense expenditures; ViaSat's reliance on U.S. government contracts, and on a small number of contracts which account for a significant percentage of ViaSat's revenues; the ability to successfully develop, introduce and sell new technologies, products and services; reduced demand for products as a result of continued constraints on capital spending by customers; changes in relationships with, or the financial condition of, key customers or suppliers; reliance on a limited number of third parties to manufacture and supply ViaSat's products; increased competition and other factors affecting the communications and defense industries generally; the effect of adverse regulatory changes on ViaSat's ability to sell products and services; ViaSat's level of indebtedness and ability to comply with applicable debt covenants; ViaSat's involvement in litigation, including intellectual property claims and litigation to protect proprietary technology; and ViaSat's dependence on a limited number of key employees. In addition, please refer to the risk factors contained in ViaSat's SEC filings available at www.sec.gov, including ViaSat's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date on which they are made. ViaSat undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements for any reason.
Exede is a registered trademark of ViaSat Inc.
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SOURCE ViaSat Inc.
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