ViaSat Encouraged by FCC Chairman Remarks on Creating a Balanced Spectrum Sharing Approach for the Future of 5G and Next-Generation Satellite Broadband

CARLSBAD, Calif., June 23, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- ViaSat Inc. (NASDAQ: VSAT), a global broadband services and technology company, is supportive of comments made earlier this week by Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Tom Wheeler in an address titled, "The Future of U.S. Leadership in a 5G World." 

ViaSat is encouraged by Chairman Wheeler's recognition of the importance of spectrum sharing among terrestrial wireless and satellite users in a 5G environment.  With the Chairman's emphasis on ensuring that 5G and other next-generation broadband services are available to all Americans, including those in urban and rural areas alike, ViaSat looks forward to continuing to play an important role in bringing faster internet and video streaming to both rural and metro households across the United States lacking sufficient internet connectivity.    

"We are encouraged by the Chairman's emphasis on finding a balanced solution providing terrestrial wireless providers with access for new 5G services while protecting the continued access to this spectrum for next-generation high-speed satellite broadband services. This type of sharing would enable both to co-exist and play an important role in providing faster speed, higher quality internet and video streaming to consumers across the country," said Mark Dankberg, ViaSat chairman and CEO. "In addition to sharing spectrum, we are pleased the Commission will look at adding 5G spectrum access in additional bands – recognizing the future of 5G wireless will not be a 'one-size-fits-all' environment."

Chairman Wheeler's speech comes on the heels of the FCC's recent decision to allow all internet services, including ViaSat's satellite broadband service Exede®, to compete for universal service funds under the Connect America Fund (CAF) program. For more information, read ViaSat's May 27, 2016 release: ViaSat Applauds FCC Action to Include New and Innovative Technologies to Compete for Connect America Fund; Gives Rise to New High-Speed Options for Consumers Nationwide.

About ViaSat
ViaSat, Inc. (NASDAQ: VSAT) keeps the world connected. As a global broadband services and technology company, ViaSat ensures consumers, businesses, governments and military personnel have communications access - anywhere - whether on the ground or in-flight. The Company's innovations in designing highest-capacity satellites and secure ground infrastructure and terminal technologies coupled with its international network of managed Wi-Fi hotspots enable ViaSat to deliver a best available network that extends the reach and accessibility of broadband internet service, globally. For more information visit ViaSat at:  www.viasat.com, or follow the Company on social media: Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube.

Forward-Looking Statements
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 satellite opportunities as noted in FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler's address titled, "The Future of U.S. Leadership in a 5G World," and ViaSat's success, timeline and ability to compete for funding within the CAF. 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: contractual problems, product defects, manufacturing issues or delays, regulatory issues, technologies not being developed according to anticipated schedules, or that do not perform according to expectations; risks associated with the construction, launch and operation of satellites, including the effect of any anomaly, operational failure or degradation in satellite performance; ability to successfully develop, introduce and sell new technologies, products and services; and increased competition and other factors affecting the business aviation industry generally. 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.

Copyright © 2016 ViaSat, Inc. All rights reserved. All other product or company names mentioned are used for identification purposes only and may be trademarks of their respective owners. ViaSat and Exede are registered trademarks of ViaSat, Inc.

SOURCE ViaSat Inc.

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