CARLSBAD, Calif., Nov. 26, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Viasat
Inc. (NASDAQ: VSAT), a global communications company,
today announced its ability to offer enhanced
gate-to-gate in-flight connectivity and pier-to-pier maritime
services through an international agreement signed by International
Telecommunication Union (ITU) Member States opening more Ka-band
spectrum for satellite mobility solutions. The treaty, which was
signed at the 2019 World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-19) on
Friday, November 22, 2019, provides
access to four times more global Ka-band spectrum for
satellite-powered aviation and maritime broadband connectivity.
The treaty ensures that Earth Stations in Motion (ESIM) can
access the full Ka-band spectrum consistent with Viasat's
strategy—focusing on broadband mobility services operating
worldwide—in preparation for the upcoming launch of its global
Ka-band satellite constellation, ViaSat-3.
During WRC-19, Ka-band spectrum availability for ESIM received
resounding support from the international community after
comprehensive studies were completed and reviewed. The decision
reaffirmed the WRC-15 decision that Ka-band is the optimal band for
expanding satellite broadband services. It also ensures a
harmonized international framework for authorizing ESIM services
throughout the band and across the world, opening the door for
airlines and shipping lines to digitize their fleets, and connect
more passengers and crew on a single network.
"We are grateful for the global recognition of the importance of
Ka-band satellite broadband for use on mobile platforms from
aircraft, ships and ferries to buses and trains," said Mark Dankberg, chairman and CEO, Viasat. "Having
a uniform regulatory framework for ESIM applications across nations
will enable Viasat to meet escalating customer requirements for
mobility service enhancements, while creating a broader environment
for further innovation in the mobility sector."
Airline opportunities continue to grow with added global
Ka-band spectrum
Today, the airline industry is facing
growing demand from passengers, crew and aircraft fleet operators
and suppliers alike who expect gate-to-gate connectivity. New
services that will improve flight operations as well as deliver
enhanced passenger experiences will benefit from the added Ka-band
spectrum for these services providing affordable, high-quality
broadband in the air.
Gilberto Lopez Meyer, senior vice
president, Safety and Flight Operations (SFO) at the International
Air Transportation Association (IATA) added, "The airline community
congratulates the World Radiocommunication Conference 2019 for its
successful work on the issue of ESIM. ESIM will support airlines in
providing better broadband connectivity for on-board passengers. It
will also serve as an enabler for airlines' digital
transformation effort in enhancing current and future gate-to-gate
operations."
About Viasat
Viasat is a global communications company
that believes everyone and everything in the world can be
connected. For more than 30 years, Viasat has helped shape how
consumers, businesses, governments and militaries around the world
communicate. Today, the Company is developing the ultimate global
communications network to power high-quality, secure, affordable,
fast connections to impact people's lives anywhere they are—on the
ground, in the air or at sea. To learn more about Viasat,
visit: www.viasat.com, go to Viasat's Corporate Blog, or
follow the Company on social media at:
Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter or 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
that refer to Viasat's upcoming launches of its global Ka-band
satellite constellation, ViaSat-3; ability to expand its mobility
broadband offerings; enhance its position as a world leader in
satellite mobility services for aviation, government and other
markets; and meet escalating customer requirements and create a
broader environment for further innovation in the mobility sector.
Readers are cautioned that actual results could differ materially
and adversely 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 our satellites, including the effect of any anomaly,
operational failure or degradation in satellite performance;
changes in the global business environment and economic conditions;
the effect of adverse regulatory changes (including changes
affecting spectrum availability or permitted uses) on our ability
to sell products and services; orbital arc congestion affecting
availability of Ka-band spectrum; the effect of changes in the way
Ka-band spectrum is used by others; and other factors affecting the
communications and defense industries 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 © 2019 Viasat, Inc. All rights reserved. Viasat, the
Viasat logo and the Viasat signal are registered trademarks of
Viasat, Inc. All other product or company names mentioned are used
for identification purposes only and may be trademarks of their
respective owners.
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SOURCE Viasat, Inc.