ViaSat adds more Ku-band capacity to mobile satellite network

ViaSat has signed four new contracts that increase the total Ku-band capacity of its global mobility network by more than 60 percent, the company said Jan. 28.

The Carlsbad, Calif-based company satellite products and services provider has reserved the additional bandwidth for use by government and general aviation customers that need high data rates for mobile satellite communications.
 
The expansion essentially is an overlay to the company's mobile network in key regions around the globe, company officials said. It broadens coverage in Europe, Asia, Africa, North America and the Pacific Ocean, among other areas.

ViaSat recently delivered its 500th VR-12 satellite terminal, the company said. The ultra-small aperture system is being used by both general aviation and government mobility markets for “office-in-the-sky” business applications, and also in-flight command and control and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance services for military customers.