Global Flights Launch ViaSat Broadband Enroute Communications Network

CARLSBAD, Calif., Oct. 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- A new network that offers continuous, high-speed connectivity for VIP and other high-value aircraft traveling to international locations has begun operation with multiple global flights. The exclusive, private network from ViaSat Inc. (NASDAQ: VSAT) provides higher grade service compared to other options, with guaranteed access and data rates. The airborne broadband service covers CONUS, the North Atlantic, Europe, the Mediterranean, the Middle East, and parts of Eastern Africa.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20091216/VIASATLOGO)

Applications such as email, video teleconferencing, messaging, access to government and public networks, mapping and mission planning are common to these airborne missions, but the broadband experience on the ViaSat network is similar to DSL or cable service. This dedicated network guarantees access and data rates in excess of 6 Mbps to the aircraft and 500 kbps from the aircraft using airborne antennas as small as 30 cm. Based on the new ViaSat ArcLight® 2 mobile satellite system, the new in-flight system offers unprecedented efficiency and access for critical government missions.

"Airborne satcom presents unique system requirements as the aircraft crosses geo-spatial boundaries and traverses fixed satellite beams," said Gary Johnson, director of ViaSat Airborne Networks. "These flights proved the high performance of our network with seamless transitions between multiple satellites and between the dedicated network and our worldwide commercial Yonder® network, demonstrating redundancy and failover capabilities as well."

"This is part of our vision to provide government users high-performance, high data rate networks and services for airborne routes across the globe," added Paul Baca, GM of ViaSat Global Mobile Broadband. "It augments our Yonder service, which shares Ku-band satellite capacity with general aviation, maritime, and high-speed rail applications."

ArcLight terminals are flying daily ISR missions on hundreds of U.S. Government aircraft, accumulating over 500,000 flight hours.

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