Viasat (American company)

{{Short description|American communications company}} {{hatnote group| {{Other uses|Viasat (disambiguation){{!}}Viasat}} }} {{Infobox company | name = Viasat, Inc. | logo = | type = Public | traded_as = {{unbulleted list|{{NASDAQ|VSAT}}|S&P 600 component}} | defunct =  | location = Carlsbad, California, U.S. | key_people = {{unbulleted list|Mark D. Dankberg (chairman and CEO)<ref name=:0>{{cite web |last1=Jewett |first1=Rachel |title=Mark Dankberg Returns to Role as Viasat CEO |url=https://www.satellitetoday.com/business/2022/06/29/mark-dankberg-returns-to-role-as-viasat-ceo/ |website=Via Satellite|date=29 June 2022 }}</ref>|Richard A. Baldridge (Vice Chairman)<ref name=:0 />|Gary Chase (CFO)|Kevin Harkenrider (COO)}} | industry = Communications | products = {{unbulleted list|Military communications equipment|High-speed satellite modems|MIDS and Tactical Data Links|Mobile Satcom|Antenna systems|VSAT networks|Broadband systems}} | services = {{unbulleted list|Secure networking|Satellite Internet access}} | revenue = {{increase}} {{USD|4.284 billion|link=yes}} (2024) | operating_income = {{decrease}} {{USD|-890 million}} (2024) | net_income = {{decrease}} {{USD|-1.07 billion}} (2024) | assets = {{increase}} {{USD|16.33 billion}} (2024) | equity = {{increase}} {{USD|5.025 billion}} (2024) | num_employees = {{circa|7,500}} (2024) | foundation = {{Start date and age|1986|05|}} in Carlsbad, California, United States | homepage = {{URL|viasat.com}} | footnotes = Financials {{asof|2024|3|31|lc=y|df=US}}.<ref name=10K>{{cite web |url=https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/797721/000095017024066031/vsat-20240331.htm |title=Viasat, Inc. Fiscal 2024 Annual Report (Form 10-K) |date=May 29, 2024 |publisher=U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission}}</ref> | module = {{infobox network service provider|child=yes|asn=7155}} }}

'''Viasat, Inc.''' (formerly stylized as '''ViaSat''') is an American communications company based in Carlsbad, California, with additional operations across the United States and worldwide. Viasat is a provider of high-speed satellite broadband services and secure networking systems covering military and commercial markets.<ref name=forbes>{{cite magazine| url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/markfidelman/2013/10/30/this-high-speed-satellite-company-is-defying-the-naysayers-and-changing-everything/| magazine=Forbes| title=This High Speed Satellite Company Is Defying The Naysayers And Changing Everything| author=Mark Fidelman| date=October 30, 2013| access-date=March 2, 2015}}</ref><ref name=xconomy>{{cite web| url=http://www.xconomy.com/san-diego/2009/12/24/viasat-sells-shares-as-part-of-wildblue-deal/| title=Viasat Sells Shares as Part of WildBlue Deal| author=Bruce V. Bigelow| work=Xconomy| date=December 24, 2009| access-date=March 2, 2015}}</ref><ref name=utsandiego>{{cite web| url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2013/nov/02/viasat-jetblue-gogo-internet-aircraft-global-eagle/| publisher=UT San Diego| title=Race heats up for faster, cheaper in-flight Wi-Fi| author=Mike Freeman| date=November 2, 2013| access-date=March 2, 2015}}</ref>

==History== ViaSat was co-founded in May 1986 by Mark Dankberg, Mark Miller and Steve Hart, who met while working together at Linkabit.<ref name=executive>{{cite journal| title=Expanding In-flight Services| date=November 2013| journal=Executive & VIP Aviation International}}</ref><ref name=uscd>{{cite web| url=http://libraries.ucsd.edu/sdta/companies/viasat.html| title=ViaSat Inc.| publisher=UC San Diego| access-date=March 2, 2015}}</ref><ref name=skybroker>{{cite web| url=http://sky-brokers.com/home/suppliers/viasat-inc.| title=ViaSat, Inc.| publisher=SkyBrokers| access-date=March 2, 2015}}</ref> Mark Dankberg became chief executive officer and Mark Miller and Steve Hart became chief technical officers.<ref name=uscd/> ViaSat received venture capital financing of $300,000 from Southern California Ventures.<ref name=uscd/><ref name=skybroker/>

In December 1996, ViaSat had its initial public offering (IPO), raising approximately $20 million. The company opened on NASDAQ at a price of $4.50 per share. Following the IPO, the three founders of ViaSat retained a 28% ownership stake, while venture capital backers held 20%.<ref name=uscd/><ref name=executive/>

In 1999, ViaSat relocated its headquarters to Carlsbad, California.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/business/technology/sdut-viasat-carlsbad-headquarters-2015oct23-story.html|title=ViaSat expanding in Carlsbad|author=Mike Freeman|newspaper=The San Diego Union-Tribune}}</ref> Viasat launched a spin-off company, TrellisWare Technology, in 2000. The self-funded company focuses on developing communications and signal processing systems.<ref name=bloomberg>{{cite web| url=https://www.bloomberg.com/profile/company/0058192D:US/| publisher=Bloomberg| title=TrellisWare Technologies Inc| access-date=May 18, 2022}}</ref>

The acquisition of the satellite networking business of Scientific-Atlanta for $75 million in cash in 2000 helped ViaSat to focus on providing technology for interactive services to businesses.<ref name=nytimes>{{cite news| url=https://www.nytimes.com/2000/01/20/business/company-news-viasat-to-acquire-scientific-atlanta-satellite-business.html| newspaper=New York Times| title=Company News; Viasat to Acquire Scientific-Atlanta Satellite Business| date=January 20, 2000| access-date=March 3, 2015}}</ref>

In 2001, ViaSat started working with Boeing on Connexion broadband for airliners.<ref name=executive/> The company acquired Lockheed Martin Global Telecommunications' products unit, Comsat Laboratories in 2001 for an undisclosed amount.<ref name=uscd/><ref name=totaltelecom>{{cite web| url=http://www.totaltele.com/view.aspx?ID=414440| publisher=Total Telecom| title=Lockheed sells telecoms products unit to Viasat| date=July 17, 2001| access-date=March 3, 2015}}</ref><ref name=washington>{{cite news| url=http://www.bizjournals.com/washington/stories/2001/07/16/daily7.html| newspaper=Washington Business Journal| title=Lockheed Martin sells broadband satellite arm| author=Sean Madigan| date=July 16, 2001| access-date=March 3, 2015}}</ref> Comsat Laboratories is Viasat's technology and product development group for communication systems focusing on developing new technologies for extremely bandwidth efficient, high data rate satellite transmission.<ref name=totaltelecom/><ref name=washington/><ref name=telecomlockheed>{{cite web| url=http://www.telecompaper.com/news/lockheed-martin-to-sell-unit-to-viasat--273872|publisher=TeleComPaper| title=Lockheed Martin to sell unit to Viasat| date=July 18, 2001| access-date=March 3, 2015}}</ref> In 2001, Viasat also purchased US Monolithics, a company focused on designing high frequency broadband circuitry, for around $30 million.<ref name=uscd/><ref name=theengineer>{{cite web| url=http://www.theengineer.co.uk/news/viasat-to-acquire-us-monolithics/288637.article| publisher=The Engineer| title=ViaSat to acquire US Monolithics| date=December 21, 2001| access-date=March 3, 2015| archive-date=April 2, 2015| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402093229/http://www.theengineer.co.uk/news/viasat-to-acquire-us-monolithics/288637.article}}</ref><ref name=telecompaper>{{cite web| url=http://www.telecompaper.com/news/viasat-to-acquire-us-monolithics--341107|publisher=TeleComPaper| title=ViaSat to acquire US Monolithics| date=February 27, 2002| access-date=March 3, 2015}}</ref>

Eutelsat entered an agreement in 2001 to use Viasat's LinkStar high performance IP terminals for their broadband multimedia network over Ku-based FSS satellites.<ref name=highbeam>{{cite web| url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-79963835.html| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402110029/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-79963835.html| archive-date=April 2, 2015| publisher=Wireless Satellite and Broadcasting Newsletter| title=Eutelsat Will Build Broadband Multimedia Network with LinkStar Terminals from Viasat.(broadband satellite )| date=October 1, 2001| access-date=March 2, 2015}}</ref> Viasat entered a joint venture in 2001 with Loral Skynet to found Immeon Networks to develop the Immeon satellite bandwidth-on-demand service sold in monthly managed service plans. ABC News used Immeon to improve its voice and data-communications for on-location news.<ref name=thewhir>{{cite web| url=http://www.thewhir.com/web-hosting-news/viasat-and-loral-skynet-unveil-broadband-on-demand-service| publisher=Whir| title=ViaSat and Loral Skynet Unveil Broadband-on-Demand Service| date=August 13, 2001}}</ref>

ViaSat won a contract with WildBlue Communications worth $16 million in March 2001 to build WildBlue's satellite modems to support the company's initial service launch.<ref name=spacedaily>{{cite web| url=http://www.spacedaily.com/reports/Wildblue_Selects_Viasat_To_Build_Satellite_Modems.html| publisher=Space Daily| title=Wildblue Selects Viasat To Build Satellite Modems| date=March 12, 2001| access-date=March 2, 2015}}</ref> WildBlue signed a second contract with Viasat in 2001 for $17 million and Viasat would develop and produce satellite modem termination systems for six gateway stations.<ref name=pcbusiness>{{cite journal| date=August 2001| title=WildBlue selects Viasat to build SMTS| journal=PC Business Products}}</ref>

WildBlue launched its internet service in October 2004 after gaining Ka-band transponder capacity on the Telesat Anik F2 satellite. It conducted formal technical testing until January 2005, followed by nationwide beta testing before the first residential retail customers had services installed in June.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.satellitetoday.com/satn/WildBlue-Readies-Satellite-Broadband-Service-For-Rollout_12865.html|title=WildBlue Readies Satellite Broadband Service for Rollout|date=May 23, 2005|access-date=November 29, 2010|publisher=Satellite Today|archive-date=July 16, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716011304/http://www.satellitetoday.com/satn/WildBlue-Readies-Satellite-Broadband-Service-For-Rollout_12865.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> The WildBlue service was upgraded in 2007 using the satellite WildBlue-1, which launched the year before.<ref name=spacedaily2>{{cite web| url=http://www.spacedaily.com/reports/Arianespace_Confirms_WildBlue_1_For_GEO_Launch.html| title=Arianespace Confirms WildBlue-1 For GEO Launch| date=March 1, 2006| publisher=Space Daily| access-date=March 2, 2015}}</ref>

In 2005, ViaSat acquired Efficient Channel Coding, a producer of broadband communication integrated circuits and satellite communication systems, which gave ViaSat access to the IPStar satellite broadband market.<ref name=satellitetodaycoding>{{cite journal| title=ViaSat to Acquire Efficient Channel Coding| date=November 22, 2005| volume=4| issue=227| journal=Satellite Today}}</ref><ref name=skybroker/> Enerdyne, a defense technology firm, was acquired by ViaSat in 2006 for an initial investment of $17 million adding its EnerLinks II video data link equipment to Viasat's defense products.<ref name=enerdyne>{{cite web| url=http://www.utsandiego.com/uniontrib/20060622/news_1b22viasat.html| publisher=UT San Diego| title=Defense tech firm Enerdyne joins ViaSat| author=Mike Freeman| date=June 22, 2006| access-date=March 3, 2015}}</ref><ref name=skybroker/>

ViaSat acquired JAST Antenna Systems, based in Lausanne, Switzerland, in 2007. JAST develops microwave circuits and antennas for terrestrial and mobile satellite applications.<ref name=socaltech>{{cite web| url=http://www.socaltech.com/viasat_buys_satellite_antenna_firm/s-0010280.html| title=ViaSat Buys Satellite Antenna Firm| date=July 24, 2007| publisher=socialtech.com| access-date=February 18, 2015}}</ref>

On December 15, 2009, ViaSat bought WildBlue, based in Colorado, for $568 million in cash and stock. Included in the acquisition were the WildBlue-1 satellite and Ka-band capacity on Telesat's Anik F2 and about $75 million in cash and $45 million in tax losses, bringing the net purchase price to about $445 million.<ref>{{cite news |title=ViaSat Finalizes Acquisition of Denver-based WildBlue - SpaceNews.com |url=https://spacenews.com/viasat-finalizes-acquisition-denver-based-wildblue/ |access-date=September 29, 2018 |work=SpaceNews.com |date=January 4, 2010}}</ref>

In 2010, ViaSat bought Stonewood Group of Dorset, England, an encryption company, for $20 million in cash and stock.<ref name="stonewood">{{cite web| url=http://www.xconomy.com/san-diego/2010/06/04/viasat-buys-data-encryption-technology/| title=Viasat Buys Data Encryption Technology| author=Bruce V. Bigelow| date=June 4, 2010}}</ref>

In January 2013, ViaSat broke ground for its expansion in Duluth, Georgia, the second largest location after the company's headquarters in Carlsbad, California at the time.{{citation needed|date=September 2018}} In 2015, Viasat opened a 116,000 square foot facility at the Arizona State University Research Park in Tempe, Arizona.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://asunow.asu.edu/content/asu-research-park-celebrates-30-years-university-industry-collaboration|title=ASU Research Park celebrates 30 years of university-industry collaboration|date=24 April 2014|publisher=Arizona State University}}</ref> The Arizona campus focuses on design and manufacturing of advanced microwave communication and radar products, radio frequency systems and cybersecurity.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.techrockies.com/viasat-expands-in-arizona-state-university-research-park/s-0056483.html|title=ViaSat Expands In Arizona State University Research Park|publisher=Techrockies}}</ref> In 2016, Viasat announced a research and development facility in Chennai, India.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/tech/internet/viasat-opens-first-indian-rd-facility-in-chennai/articleshow/52989350.cms|title=ViaSat opens first Indian R&D facility in Chennai|author=Shilpa Elizabeth|newspaper=The Economic Times}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/info-tech/viasat-seeks-green-signal-to-offer-satellitebased-broadband-net/article8792112.ece|title=ViaSat seeks green signal to offer satellite-based broadband Net|author=Teraja Simhan|newspaper=Hindu Business Line}}</ref> In 2017, Viasat broke ground on an 80,000 square foot facility on the ATLAS property near the Texas A&M Health Science Center in Bryan, Texas.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.huntbridge.com/2017/01/21/viasat-groundbreaking-event/|title=Viasat Groundbreaking Event For New Bryan, Texas Facility|author=Ty Campbell|publisher=Huntbridge}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kbtx.com/content/news/ViaSat-breaks-ground-on-new-corporate-campus-411240925.html|title=ViaSat breaks ground on new corporate campus in Bryan|author=Mathew Villanueva|date=19 January 2017 |publisher=KBTX-TV}}</ref>

ViaSat also acquired LonoCloud, a company focused on cloud networking software, in 2013.<ref name=utcloud>{{cite web| url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2013/apr/12/Carlsbad-based-Viasat-buys-LonoCloud/| title=Viasat buys cloud software firm| author=Mike Freeman| date=April 12, 2013| publisher=UT San Diego| access-date=February 18, 2015}}</ref><ref name=ucsandiego>{{cite web| url=http://www.jacobsschool.ucsd.edu/news/news_releases/release.sfe?id=1397| publisher=UC San Diego| title=Computer Science Startup LonoCloud Acquired by Viasat| date=August 7, 2013| access-date=March 3, 2015}}</ref><ref name=cloud>{{cite news| url=http://sdbj.com/news/2013/apr/15/viasat-inc-acquires-cloud-networking-company-lonoc/| newspaper=San Diego Business Journal| title=ViaSat Inc. Acquires Cloud Networking Company LonoCloud Inc.| date=April 15, 2013| access-date=March 3, 2015}}</ref>

In 2014, ViaSat partnered with Thuraya Telecommunications, a mobile satellite services operator, to provide machine to machine (M2M) services.<ref name=m2mevolution>{{cite web| url=http://www.m2mevolution.com/topics/m2mevolution/articles/379094-new-thuraya-viasat-partnership-brings-new-managed-m2m.htm| publisher=Machine to Machine Evolution| title=New Thuraya, ViaSat Partnership Brings New Managed M2M Service| author=Steve Anderson| date=May 19, 2014| access-date=March 2, 2015| archive-date=April 2, 2015| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402201417/http://www.m2mevolution.com/topics/m2mevolution/articles/379094-new-thuraya-viasat-partnership-brings-new-managed-m2m.htm| url-status=dead}}</ref> The same year, Viasat entered a partnership with LightSquared to work on M2M services in vehicular and aviation devices.<ref name=telecomengine>{{cite web| url=http://www.telecomengine.com/node/87041| publisher=TelecomEngine| title=LightSquared and Viasat team up on managed M2M services| author=Iain Morris| date=March 10, 2014| access-date=March 2, 2015| archive-date=May 5, 2015| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150505070220/http://www.telecomengine.com/node/87041}}</ref><ref name=4trade>{{cite web| url=http://www.4-traders.com/VIASAT-INC-11323/news/ViaSat-Inc--LightSquared-ViaSat-announce-strategic-partnership-18080919/| publisher=4-Traders| title=ViaSat, Inc.: LightSquared, ViaSat announce strategic partnership| date=March 11, 2014| access-date=March 2, 2015}}</ref> NetNearU based in Bryan/College Station, Texas was acquired in 2014. Focused on government and enterprise customers, NetNearU has a wifi management system called TRACKOS, a cloud-based software.<ref name=netnearu>{{cite web| url=http://www.telecompetitor.com/viasat-netnearu-acquisition-generate-wi-fi-backhaul-business/| publisher=TeleCompetitor| title=Viasat NetNearU Acquisition Should Generate Wi-Fi Backhaul Business| author=Joan Engebretson| date=June 10, 2014| access-date=March 2, 2015}}</ref><ref name=satellitenetnearu>{{cite web| url=http://www.satellitetoday.com/telecom/2014/06/10/viasat-acquires-netnearu-expands-wi-fi-services/| publisher=Satellite Today| title=Viasat Acquires NetNearU, Expands Wi-Fi Services| author=Rachel Scharmann| date=June 10, 2014| access-date=March 2, 2015}}</ref><ref name=converge>{{cite web| url=http://www.convergedigest.com/2014/06/viasat-acquires-netnearu-for-wi-fi.html| publisher=Converge Network Digest| title=Viasat Acquires NetNearU For Wi-Fi Management| date=June 9, 2014| access-date=March 2, 2015| archive-date=September 29, 2022| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220929150125/https://www.convergedigest.com/2014/06/viasat-acquires-netnearu-for-wi-fi.html| url-status=dead}}</ref> ViaSat acquired Gray Labs, a company that specialized in satellite-to-earth communications for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance in July 2014.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/business/technology/sdut-ViaSat-Gray-Labs-Georgia-satellite-surveillance-2014jul28-story.html|title=ViaSat buys high data rate technology|author=Mike Freeman|newspaper=The San Diego Union-Tribune|archive-date=2022-09-29|access-date=2018-05-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220929113408/https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/business/technology/sdut-viasat-gray-labs-georgia-satellite-surveillance-2014jul28-story.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>

ViaSat acquired network virtualization company Engreen in 2015 to enhance its Flexible Broadband System.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.satellitetoday.com/telecom/2015/06/11/viasat-acquires-engreen-to-boost-network-virtualization-capabilities/|title=Viasat Acquires Engreen to Boost Network Virtualization Capabilities|author=Caleb Henry|date=11 June 2015|publisher=Satellite Today}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/business/technology/sdut-viasat-engreen-acquisition-san-jose-jet-blue-2015jun11-story.html|title=ViaSat buys network technology start-up|author=Mike Freeman|newspaper=The San Diego Union Tribune}}</ref> In March 2015, Viasat acquired EAI Design Services in order to add its Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) and Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) microprocessor design into satellite and cybersecurity projects.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.satellitetoday.com/innovation/2015/03/03/viasat-acquires-eai-design-services/|title=ViaSat Acquires EAI Design Services|author=Caleb Henry|date=3 March 2015|publisher=Satellite Today}}</ref>

In 2016, ViaSat acquired Arconics, an aviation software provider based in Dublin, Ireland. The company added 40 Arconics employees to its staff and expanded its software offerings as a result of the acquisition.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.satellitetoday.com/technology/2016/11/15/viasat-acquires-arconics-connected-aircraft-software/|title=ViaSat Acquires Arconics for Connected Aircraft Software and More|publisher=Via Satellite|first=Woodrow|last=Bellamy|date=November 15, 2016|access-date=September 1, 2017}}</ref>

In 2017, ViaSat announced the intention to enter into a joint venture with the European satellite operator Eutelsat.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://spacenews.com/with-ariane-5-launch-of-viasat-2-and-eutelsat-172b-arianespace-all-caught-up-on-protest-delayed-missions/|title=With Ariane 5 Launch of ViaSat-2 and Eutelsat-172b, Arianespace All Caught Up On Protest-Delayed Missions|first=Caleb|last=Henry|date=June 2, 2017|access-date=September 1, 2017}}</ref> As part of the venture, the companies will jointly operate two new business entities with one owning and operating Eutelsat's KA-SAT satellite and wholesale broadband business and the other purchasing KA-SAT satellite-based capacity and marketing retail broadband internet services throughout Europe. Both businesses would be headquartered in Lausanne, Switzerland.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.getconnected.aero/2017/02/eutelsat-ka-band-joint-venture-viasat/|title=Eutelsat Poised for Ka-band Joint Venture With Viasat|publisher=Get Connected|date=February 10, 2017|access-date=September 1, 2017|archive-date=September 3, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170903205247/http://www.getconnected.aero/2017/02/eutelsat-ka-band-joint-venture-viasat/|url-status=dead}}</ref> The companies aborted their joint venture plans in April 2018.

The company launched its third (previous satellites were ViaSat-1 and WildBlue-1) satellite, ViaSat-2 on June 1, 2017<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-40123180|title=Viaat-2: Satellite Goliath Goes Into Orbit|work=BBC News|first=Jonathan|last=Amos|date=June 2, 2017|access-date=September 1, 2017}}</ref> and ViaSat-3, a high-capacity three satellite constellation, is expected to launch first satellite in 2020.<ref name=V3coverage>{{cite web|url=https://spacenews.com/viasat-books-falcon-heavy-for-viasat-3-launch/|title=Viasat books Falcon Heavy for ViaSat-3 launch|publisher=Space News|author=Caleb Henry|date=25 October 2018|access-date=11 September 2020}}</ref>

In December 2020, Viasat acquired RigNet, a secure managed networking solutions and specialized applications developer.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://spacenews.com/viasat-acquires-rignet/|title=Viasat announces agreement to acquire RigNet|publisher=Space News|author=Debra Werner|date=21 December 2020}}</ref> RigNet will be incorporated into Viasat's Global Enterprise and Mobility business unit, providing Viasat access to its digital transformation toolset, end-to-end managed communications, and connectivity service capabilities.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252493976/Viasat-announces-222m-RigNet-acquisition|title=Viasat announces $222m RigNet acquisition|publisher=Computer Weekly|author=Joe O'Halloran}}</ref>

In May 2021, Viasat appealed to the United States Court of Appeals for the DC Circuit and requested a halt for SpaceX's ongoing launches of low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites that power Starlink. Viasat alleged that the Federal Communications Commission's decision did not comply with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and said that SpaceX launches should be halted due to "environmental harms when satellites are taken out of orbit; light pollution that alters the night sky; [and] orbital debris." The FCC rejected these claims, and, on July 20, 2021, the judges ruled that SpaceX can keep launching broadband satellites.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/order-against-viasat.pdf|title=Order|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210722214509/https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/order-against-viasat.pdf|archive-date=July 22, 2021|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Brodkin|first=Jon|date=2021-07-22|title=Judges reject Viasat's plea to stop SpaceX Starlink satellite launches|url=https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2021/07/spacex-wins-court-ruling-that-lets-it-continue-launching-starlink-satellites/|access-date=2021-07-23|website=Ars Technica|language=en-us}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.law360.com/articles/1389838|title=FCC Sued over Changes to SpaceX's Starlink Internet System - Law360}}</ref>

On November 8, 2021, Viasat announced a $7.3 billion deal to purchase Inmarsat for $850{{nbsp}}million in cash, approximately 46{{nbsp}}million shares of Viasat stock and assumption of $3.4{{nbsp}}billion in debt.<ref>{{cite news |first=Pushkala |last=Aripaka |url=https://www.reuters.com/business/media-telecom/viasat-buy-uk-rival-inmarsat-73-bln-deal-2021-11-08/ |title=Viasat buys Britain's Inmarsat in $7.3 bln satellite play |date=8 November 2021 |work=Reuters |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211229120449/https://www.reuters.com/business/media-telecom/viasat-buy-uk-rival-inmarsat-73-bln-deal-2021-11-08/ |archive-date=29 December 2021 |url-status=live}}</ref> Provisional approval for the merger was given by the UK's Competition and Markets Authority in March 2023<ref name="cma-prov">{{cite web |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/cma-provisionally-clears-satellite-comms-deal-following-in-depth-review |title=CMA provisionally clears satellite comms deal following in-depth review |author= |date=1 March 2023 |website=gov.uk |access-date=4 May 2023 }}</ref> with 25 May 2023 set as the date for a formal decision.<ref name="cma-ext">{{cite web |url=https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6357a209e90e0777aca3e8e1/A._Administrative_timetable__3_.pdf |title=Administrative timetable |author= |date=28 March 2023 |website=gov.uk |publisher=Government Publishing Service |access-date=4 May 2023 |quote=25 May 2023: Revised statutory deadline following extension}}</ref> On May 31, 2023, the acquisition was completed.<ref>{{cite news |last=Freeman |first=Mike |date=31 May 2023 |title=Carlsbad's Viasat boosts satellite Internet footprint globally with completion of Inmarsat acquisition |url=https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/business/story/2023-05-31/carlsbads-viasat-boosts-satellite-internet-footprint-globally-with-completion-of-inmarsat-acquisition |work=The San Diego Union-Tribune}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Rainbow |first1=Jason |title=Satellite operators Viasat and Inmarsat complete merger deal |url=https://spacenews.com/satellite-operators-viasat-and-inmarsat-complete-merger-deal/ |access-date=4 June 2023 |work=SpaceNews |date=31 May 2023}}</ref>

On October 3, 2022, Viasat and L3Harris announced that L3Harris would purchase Viasat's Tactical Data Link product line and network for $1.96 billion, consisting of Viasat's Link_16 terminals and networks.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.l3harris.com/newsroom/press-release/2022/10/l3harris-acquire-viasats-tactical-data-link-business-expanding-jadc2 | title=L3Harris to Acquire Viasat's Tactical Data Link Business Expanding JADC2, Resilient Networking Focus | L3Harris™ Fast. Forward. }}</ref> The acquisition was completed on January 3, 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |title=L3Harris Completes Link 16 Acquisition {{!}} L3Harris® Fast. Forward. |url=https://www.l3harris.com/newsroom/press-release/2023/01/link-16-acquisition |access-date=2024-09-17 |website=www.l3harris.com |language=en}}</ref>

On January 7, 2024, Viasat was sanctioned by the Chinese government due to its participation in the U.S. arms sales to Taiwan.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2024-01-08 |title=China sanctions five US defence firms over Taiwan arms sales |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/business-67909120 |access-date=2025-01-02 |work=BBC News |language=en-GB}}</ref> China lifted its sanctions on July 22, 2024.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2024-07-22 |title=China Drops Sanctions on US Communications Firm in Rare Reversal |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-07-22/china-drops-sanctions-on-us-communications-firm-in-rare-reversal |access-date=2025-01-02 |work=Bloomberg News |language=en}}</ref>

In June 2025, Viasat was named as a hacking victim of Salt Typhoon, an advanced persistent threat operated by the Chinese government.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Tarabay |first=Jamie |date=June 17, 2025 |title=Viasat Identified as Victim in Sweeping Phone Hack Tied to China |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-06-17/viasat-identified-as-victim-in-china-linked-salt-typhoon-hack |access-date=June 18, 2025 |work=Bloomberg News}}</ref>

===Viasat hack=== {{main|Viasat hack}} On February 24, 2022, the day Russia invaded Ukraine, thousands of Viasat modems were disabled by a "deliberate ... cyber event" in what became known as the Viasat hack. Thousands of customers in Europe were without internet for at least a month.<ref>[https://www.wired.com/story/viasat-internet-hack-ukraine-russia/ A Mysterious Satellite Hack Has Victims Far Beyond Ukraine] Wired. 2022.</ref> On 31 March, 2022, SentinelOne researchers Juan Andres Guerrero-Saade and Max van Amerongen announced the discovery of a new wiper malware codenamed AcidRain designed to permanently disable routers. <ref>{{cite web|url=https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2022/03/mystery-solved-in-destructive-attack-that-knocked-out-10k-viasat-modems|title=Mystery solved in destructive attack that knocked out >10k Viasat modems|publisher=Ars Technica|author=Dan Goodin|date=31 March 2022 }}</ref> Viasat later confirmed that the AcidRain malware was used during the 'cyber event'.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sentinelone.com/labs/acidrain-a-modem-wiper-rains-down-on-europe/|title=AcidRain: A Modem Wiper Rains Down on Europe |publisher=SentinelLabs|author=Guerrero-Saade, Juan Andres|date=31 March 2022 }}</ref> AcidRain shares code with VPNFilter, a 2018 cyber operation against routers attributed to the Russian military by the FBI.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/justice-department-announces-actions-disrupt-advanced-persistent-threat-28-botnet-infected|title=Justice Department Announces Actions to Disrupt Advanced Persistent Threat 28 Botnet of Infected Routers and Network Storage Devices|date=23 May 2018 |publisher=U.S. Department Of Justice}}</ref> On 10 May, 2022, the European Union condemned the attack targeting Viasat's KA-SAT network as a Russian operation.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2022/05/10/russian-cyber-operations-against-ukraine-declaration-by-the-high-representative-on-behalf-of-the-european-union/|title=Russian cyber operations against Ukraine: Declaration by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union|publisher=Council of the EU}}</ref>

==Satellites== In July 2013, Viasat was licensed by the Federal Communications Commission for Ka-band aeronautical earth stations.<ref name=satellitetoday>{{cite journal| publisher=Satellite Today| url=http://www.satellitetoday.com/publications/2013/07/30/fcc-grants-viasat-license-for-ka-band-satellites-in-flight-connectivity/| title=FCC grants Viasat license for ka band satellites for in-flight connectivity| author=Steve Schuster| date=July 30, 2013| access-date=March 3, 2015}}</ref> Viasat operates resources on four satellites: ViaSat-1, WildBlue1, Anik-F2 and ViaSat-2.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.satellitetoday.com/uncategorized/2012/12/20/u-s-government-renews-viasat-broadband-airborne-satcom-services-contract-2/| publisher=Satellite Today| title=U.S. Government Renews ViaSat Broadband Airborne Satcom Services Contract| author=Rebecca Lincks| date=December 20, 2012| access-date=March 2, 2015}}</ref>

*Anik-F2 was launched in 2004. It entered service June 2005 (used in testing before that). Its Ka-band resources are operated by ViaSat. The satellite itself belongs to Telesat. *WildBlue-1 was launched in December 2006 from Guiana Space Centre in French Guiana. It weighed 4,735 kilograms or 10,439 pounds.<ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.n2yo.com/satellite/?s=29643| title=WildBlue 1| publisher=N2YO| access-date=April 10, 2018}}</ref> WildBlue-1 became operational in early 2007.<ref name=spacemart>{{cite web| url=http://www.spacemart.com/reports/Wildblue_High_Speed_Internet_Via_Satellite_Triples_Capacity_With_New_Satellite_999.html| title=Wildblue High-Speed Internet Via Satellite Triples Capacity With New Satellite| date=March 22, 2007| publisher=SpaceMart| access-date=March 2, 2015}}</ref> *ViaSat-1: Space Systems/Loral built ViaSat-1 and it launched from Kazakhstan in October 2011 and entered service in January 2012.<ref name=executive/><ref name=four>{{cite web|url=http://www.advfn.com/news_ViaSat-To-Buy-Internet-Provider-WildBlue-For-568-Million_39711155.html|title=ViaSat To Buy Internet Provider WildBlue For $568 Million|date=October 1, 2006|access-date=October 22, 2006|publisher=Dow Jones Newswires |first=Mike|last=Barris}}</ref><ref name=uscd/> ViaSat-1 covers the residential US with additional coverage in Hawaii, Canada and Alaska through a Ka-band connection.<ref name=executive/> ViaSat-1 runs on fixed beams trained on certain geographic areas.<ref name=spacenewsrevenue>{{cite magazine| url=http://spacenews.com/41583viasat-emphasizes-revenue-over-subscriber-numbers/| magazine=SpaceNews| title=ViaSat Emphasizes Revenue over Subscriber Numbers| author=Peter B. de Selding| date=August 13, 2014| access-date=March 2, 2015}}</ref> *ViaSat-2 expanded the geographic range covered by ViaSat-1.<ref name=spacenewsrevenue/> Viasat partnered with Boeing to build the ViaSat-2 satellite.<ref name=eandt>{{cite web| url=http://eandt.theiet.org/news/2013/may/via-sat.cfm| publisher=Engineering and Technology Magazine| title=Highest capacity comms satellite record to be broken| author=Edd Gent| date=May 17, 2013| access-date=March 2, 2015| archive-date=July 12, 2016| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160712121022/http://eandt.theiet.org/news/2013/may/via-sat.cfm}}</ref> On June 1, 2017 ViaSat-2 was launched on an Ariane 5 rocket.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://satnews.com/story.php?number=2026391294 |title=Bon Chance! Arianespace Celebrates Launch of ViaSat-2 and EUTELSAT 172B |date=June 1, 2017 |access-date=September 15, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/business/technology/sd-fi-viasat-launchevent-20170601-story.html|title=ViaSat's powerful new internet satellite blasts into space|last=Freeman|first=Mike|date=June 1, 2017|newspaper=The San Diego Union-Tribune|access-date=September 8, 2017}}</ref> The coverage area includes Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, parts of northern South America and aeronautical and maritime routes across the Atlantic Ocean.<ref name=eandt/><ref name=executive/> The satellite entered service February 2018. *ViaSat-3: In November 2015, Viasat announced that it was planning to order the first of three ViaSat-3 Ka-band satellites that would expand coverage globally with throughput capacity of one terabit per second for each of the satellites.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://spacenews.com/viasat-willing-to-bet-big-on-super-high-throughput-satellites/|title=ViaSat Willing To Bet Big on Super-high-throughput Satellites|publisher=Space News|date=November 10, 2015|author=Peter B. de Selding|access-date=December 16, 2015}}</ref> In 2017, the company said the constellation, when complete, would have more capacity than the rest of the world's spacecraft combined.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.satellitetoday.com/telecom/2016/02/10/dankberg-viasat-3-satellites-will-have-more-capacity-than-the-rest-of-the-world-combined/|title=Dankberg: ViaSat 3 Satellite Will Have More Capacity Than the Rest of the World Combined|publisher=Via Satellite|first=Caleb|last=Henry|date=February 10, 2016|access-date=September 1, 2017}}</ref> *KA-SAT: In November 2020, Viasat purchased all remaining assets, including the KA-SAT, and ended its joint venture with Eutelsat. Viasat stated that it would begin prepping for ViaSat-3 Americas to launch in late 2021, followed by another ViaSat-3 covering Europe, the Middle East, and Africa in 2022.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://spacenews.com/viasat-claims-ka-sat/z|last=Werner|first=Debra|date=19 November 2020|website=Space News|title=Viasat claims KA-SAT as Eutelsat joint venture winds down}}</ref>

===ViaSat-3 series=== {{main|ViaSat-3}} The ViaSat-3 constellation was expected to be in service by 2022.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.satellitetoday.com/business/2021/02/04/viasat-pushes-viasat-3-satellite-launch-to-2022/|title=Viasat Pushes ViaSat-3 Satellite Launch to 2022|last=Jewett|first=Rachel|date=4 February 2021|website=Via Satellite}}</ref> The first two satellites were launched on 1 May 2023 and 14 November 2025. A third satellite is scheduled to be launched in summer 2026 by SpaceX Falcon Heavy

==Viasat Internet== thumb|Viasat's WiFi modemLaunched in 2012 under the Exede name, Viasat Internet is a broadband internet service that covers areas traditional terrestrial internet service providers do not reach.<ref name=gigaom>{{cite web| url=https://gigaom.com/2014/08/13/as-satellite-internet-technology-improves-exede-starts-boosting-its-broadband-caps/| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140814074343/http://gigaom.com/2014/08/13/as-satellite-internet-technology-improves-exede-starts-boosting-its-broadband-caps/| url-status=dead| archive-date=August 14, 2014| title=As satellite internet technology improves, Exede starts boosting its broadband caps| author=Kevin Fitchard| work=Gigaom| date=August 13, 2014| access-date=May 1, 2015}}</ref><ref name=satellitetmcnet>{{cite web| url=http://satellite.tmcnet.com/topics/satellite/articles/2013/06/18/342336-viasat-hughes-launch-residential-voice-satellite-services.htm| publisher=Satellite Spotlight| title=ViaSat, Hughes Launch Residential Voice Satellite Services| author=Doug Mohney| date=June 18, 2013| access-date=March 2, 2015}}</ref> In 2013, the Voice home service was introduced as a companion to the data service.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.telecompetitor.com/why-regulators-will-like-viasat-satellite-voice-and-broadband-offering/| title=Why Regulators Will Like ViaSat Satellite Voice and Broadband Offering| date=June 13, 2013| author=Joan Engebretson| publisher=TeleCompetitor| access-date=May 1, 2015}}</ref><ref name=satnews>{{cite web| url=http://www.satnews.com/story.php?number=1017616628| title=ViaSat...FCC Reports Exede® Number 1—Again...Delivers On Promises Super Speedy| date=June 18, 2014| publisher=SatNews| access-date=May 1, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news| url=http://sdbj.com/news/2013/jun/17/viasat-adding-residential-telephone-service-its-of/| title=ViaSat Is Adding Residential Telephone Service to Its Offerings| date=June 17, 2013| newspaper=San Diego Business Journal| access-date=May 1, 2015}}</ref> The company also distributes a business internet, initially called Exede Business, which was launched in 2014.<ref name=satnews/><ref name=satnewsexede>{{cite web| url=http://www.satnews.com/story.php?number=1665712461&menu=1| title=ViaSat's... Unlimited Satellite Internet Service in U.S. Exede®s All Other Services| date=August 12, 2014| publisher=SatNews| access-date=May 1, 2015}}</ref>

Viasat's Exede Internet is powered by Viasat's ViaSat-1 satellite.<ref name=satnewsguiness>{{cite web| url=http://www.satnews.com/story.php?number=137547356| title=ViaSat Is High On Guinness...Exedes World Record For Highest Capacity Satellite| date=March 7, 2013| publisher=SatNews| access-date=May 1, 2015}}</ref><ref name=arstechnica>{{cite web| url=https://arstechnica.com/business/2012/01/how-viasats-exede-makes-satellite-broadband-not-suck/| title=How ViaSat's Exede makes satellite broadband not suck| author=Sean Gallagher| date=January 10, 2012| publisher=ArsTechnica| access-date= May 1, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| url=http://hothardware.com/News/New-ViaSat-Deal-Could-Brings-12Mbps-Service-To-Rural-Users-Soon/| title=New ViaSat Deal Could Brings 12Mbps Service To Rural Users Soon|author=Ray Willington | date=January 6, 2012| publisher=Hot Hardware| access-date=May 1, 2015}}</ref><ref name=usatoday>{{cite news| url=http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/MONEY/usaedition/2012-03-28-Rural-Broadband-via-Satellite_ST_U.htm| title= Broadband's Moving to the Country| date=March 27, 2012| newspaper=USA Today| access-date=May 1, 2015}}</ref> The satellite was announced in 2008. Designed by Viasat and manufactured by Space Systems/Loral in Palo Alto, California, the satellite was completed in 2011.<ref>{{cite web |date=January 8, 2008 |title=ViaSat-1 To Transform North American Satellite Broadband Market |url=http://www.tmcnet.com/usubmit/2008/01/08/3201888.htm |access-date=May 1, 2015 |publisher=TMC Net}}</ref> It was launched from Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan in October 2011 using a Proton Breeze M rocket. The satellite has a geostationary orbit over North America at 115.1° West longitude. ViaSat-1 has 72 spot beams.<ref name="ils">{{cite web |date=October 14, 2011 |title=Media Advisory: ILS Proton to launch ViaSat-1 |url=http://www.ilslaunch.com/node/2818 |access-date=May 1, 2015 |publisher=ILS}}</ref> The satellite has 63 beams covering the continental USA and Hawaii, and 9 covering Canada through the Xplornet service.<ref>{{cite web |author=Jeffrey Hill |date=February 15, 2012 |title=Telesat Launches Xplornet Services on ViaSat-1 |url=http://www.satellitetoday.com/telecom/2012/02/15/telesat-launches-xplornet-services-on-viasat-1/ |access-date=May 1, 2015 |publisher=Satellite Today}}</ref> The satellite weighs 6,740 kg<ref>{{cite web |author=Peter B. de Selding |date=May 17, 2013 |title=ViaSat-2's 'First of its Kind' Design Will Enable Broad Geographic Reach |url=http://spacenews.com/35369viasat-2s-first-of-its-kind-design-will-enable-broad-geographic-reach/ |access-date=May 1, 2015 |publisher=SpaceNews}}</ref> and has a 15-year operational life.<ref name="ils" /> ViaSat-1 cost $400 million to produce and launch.<ref name="arstechnica2">{{cite web |author=Sean Gallagher |date=January 10, 2012 |title=How Viasat's Exede makes satellite broadband not suck |url=https://arstechnica.com/business/2012/01/how-viasats-exede-makes-satellite-broadband-not-suck/ |access-date=May 1, 2015 |publisher=ArsTechnica}}</ref> ViaSat-2, which launched in June 2017, expands the capacity and coverage of the Viasat Internet service.<ref name="gigaom2">{{cite web |author=Kevin Fitchard |date=August 13, 2014 |title=As satellite internet technology improves, Exede starts boosting its broadband caps |work=Gigaom |url=https://gigaom.com/2014/08/13/as-satellite-internet-technology-improves-exede-starts-boosting-its-broadband-caps/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140814074343/http://gigaom.com/2014/08/13/as-satellite-internet-technology-improves-exede-starts-boosting-its-broadband-caps/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=August 14, 2014 |access-date=May 1, 2015 }}</ref><ref name="satnews2">{{cite web |date=June 18, 2014 |title=Viasat...FCC Reports Exede® Number 1—Again...Delivers On Promises Super Speedy |url=http://www.satnews.com/story.php?number=1017616628 |access-date=May 1, 2015 |publisher=SatNews}}</ref><ref name="satnewsexede2">{{cite web |date=August 12, 2014 |title=Viasat's... Unlimited Satellite Internet Service in U.S. Exede®s All Other Services |url=http://www.satnews.com/story.php?number=1665712461&menu=1 |access-date=May 1, 2015 |publisher=SatNews}}</ref>

Initially the satellite broadband internet was launched as a response to the lack of coverage provided by terrestrial services.<ref name="usatoday" /> The 12 Mbit/s service was faster than earlier satellite internet access options such as WildBlue which could reach 1.5 Mbit/s. In 2016, a 25 Mbit/s download speed was introduced in some areas, as well as a new modem supporting the new speed tier that includes an integrated Wi-Fi router and VoIP adapter.<ref>{{cite web|url = http://www.cedmagazine.com/news/2015/11/viasat-announces-25-mbps-home-satellite-internet|title = ViaSat Announces 25 Mbps In-Home Satellite Internet|date = November 18, 2015|work = ECN Magazine|access-date = May 8, 2018|archive-date = June 29, 2018|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180629211701/https://www.cedmagazine.com/news/2015/11/viasat-announces-25-mbps-home-satellite-internet}}</ref> In 2017, Viasat sunsetted the name Exede and rebranded as Viasat Internet.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.satelliteinternet.com/providers/viasat/t|title= Viasat (Exede) Satellite Internet|date=May 3, 2021|work=Satellite Internet}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://broadbandnow.com/Exede-Internet-deals|title=Viasat And Exede: What's The Difference?|work =Broadband Now}}</ref>

The internet service covers most of the continental U.S. and Hawaii.<ref name="arstechnica" /><ref name="pcmag">{{cite magazine| url=https://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2398450,00.asp| title=ViaSat Promises 12-Mbit/s Satellite Broadband for $50/Mo| author=Mark Hachman| date=January 5, 2012| magazine=PC Magazine| access-date=May 1, 2015}}</ref> Between 2012 and 2015, the Federal Communications Commission has reported that Viasat's Exede Internet met or surpassed advertised speeds. In the 2015 report, download speeds were just over 100% of advertised, while upload speeds topped 150% of advertised speeds.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2013/feb/15/ViaSat-Exede-Internet-Gets-Good-Marks-from-FCC/| title=FCC report: ViaSat's Exede keeps promise on speed| author=Mike Freeman| date=February 15, 2013| publisher=UT San Diego| access-date=May 1, 2015}}</ref>

The long distance to the geosynchronous orbit used by Viasat has a latency of over 600 ms, over 10 times more than terrestrial or low Earth orbit systems like Starlink, rendering it much less competitive for applications like videoconferencing and video gaming.<ref>{{cite web |title=Tested: SpaceX's Starlink Satellite Internet Service Is Fast, But It'll Cost You |url=https://www.pcmag.com/news/tested-spacexs-starlink-satellite-internet-service-is-fast-but-itll-cost |website=PCMAG |date=29 October 2020 |language=en}}</ref>

Viasat Internet likewise offers voice over IP residential phone service with its Viasat Voice Services.<ref name=arstechnica/> DirecTV is one of the major retailers that offers Viasat Internet to its customers.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2012/11/directv-and-exede-to-bundle-tv-internet-service.html| title=DIRECTV and Exede to Bundle TV, Internet Service| author=Mark Huffman| date=November 20, 2012| publisher=Consumer Affairs| access-date=May 1, 2015}}</ref> Dish Network resells the Viasat Internet service and other internet services under its own DishNet brand name.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.cnet.com/news/dish-blasts-out-high-speed-satellite-broadband/| title=Dish blasts out high-speed satellite broadband| author= Martin LaMonica| date=January 9, 2012| publisher=CNet| access-date=May 1, 2015}}</ref>

===In-flight internet=== In December 2013, Viasat launched its in-flight WiFi service on JetBlue.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.engadget.com/2013/03/20/jetblue-fly-fi/|title=JetBlue Names In-flight WiFi Service: Fly-Fi, Powered by Viasat Exede|publisher=engadget|first=Zach |last=Honig |date=March 20, 2013|access-date=October 3, 2016}}</ref> The fleet contained 190 aircraft using the service in 2014,<ref>{{cite web |author=Mike Freeman |date=November 2, 2013 |title=Race heats up for faster, cheaper in-flight Wi-Fi |url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2013/nov/02/viasat-jetblue-gogo-internet-aircraft-global-eagle/#comments-module |access-date=May 1, 2015 |publisher=UT San Diego}}</ref> and 420 in November 2015.<ref name="san">[http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/2015/nov/09/viasat-jetblue-netflix-amazon-virgin-america/ Viasat to rev up faster Internet with new satellite] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160408133956/http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/2015/nov/09/viasat-jetblue-netflix-amazon-virgin-america/ |date=2016-04-08 }}. Mike Freeman. November 9, 2015. ''San Diego Union Tribune''. November 18, 2015</ref> The company has since expanded the service to other airlines including United Airlines, American Airlines, Scandinavian Airlines, Delta, El Al, Aeroméxico, JetBlue, and Qantas.<ref name=cpart>{{cite web|url=http://www.channelpartnersonline.com/news/2016/08/viasat-s-exede-business-talks-up-sky-high-broadba.aspx|title=ViaSat's Exede Business Talks Up Sky-High Broadband Contracts|publisher=Channel Partners|first=Craig|last=Galbraith|date=August 15, 2016|access-date=October 3, 2016|archive-date=June 3, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170603040047/http://www.channelpartnersonline.com/news/2016/08/viasat-s-exede-business-talks-up-sky-high-broadba.aspx|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=de Selding |first=Peter B.|date=Feb 12, 2014|title=ViaSat Gears Up for Loral Trial, Reports Slower Exede Growth|url=http://spacenews.com/article/satellite-telecom/39476viasat-gears-up-for-loral-trial-reports-slower-exede-growth|archive-url=https://archive.today/20140504131438/http://spacenews.com/article/satellite-telecom/39476viasat-gears-up-for-loral-trial-reports-slower-exede-growth|archive-date=May 4, 2014|work=SpaceNews|access-date=4 May 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/business/technology/sdut-viasat-sas-finnair-wifi-airlines-eutelsat-2016sep09-story.html|title=ViaSat Lands Another Airline For Inflight Wi-Fi|newspaper=The San Diego Union-Tribune|first=Mike|last=Freeman|date=September 9, 2016|access-date=September 1, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/business/story/2021-01-06/delta-air-lines-to-connect-aircraft-ith-viasat-powered-in-flight-internet-service|title=Delta Air Lines to connect aircraft with Viasat-powered in-flight Internet|work=San Diego Union-Tribune|first=Mike|last=Freeman|date=January 6, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.getconnected.aero/2018/09/aeromexico-selects-viasat-inflight-internet-boeing-737-max/|title=APEX: Aeromexico selects Viasat inflight internet for B737 MAX|work=Get Connected|first=Steve|last=Nichols|date=September 24, 2018|access-date=May 10, 2021|archive-date=May 12, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210512060048/https://www.getconnected.aero/2018/09/aeromexico-selects-viasat-inflight-internet-boeing-737-max/}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.getconnected.aero/2019/08/jetblue-viasat/|title=JetBlue selects Viasat Ka band IFC for entire A220 fleet|work=Get Connected|first=Joanna|last=Bailey|date=August 8, 2019|access-date=May 10, 2021|archive-date=October 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211027061032/https://www.getconnected.aero/2019/08/jetblue-viasat/}}</ref>{{bsn|date=June 2024}} The dual-band technology allows airlines to offer connectivity to over 150 customers at a time per plane.<ref name="eviant">{{cite web |title=Bandwidth For All: ViaSat Future-Proofs Delivery |url=http://evaint.com/our-publications/eva-magazine/previous-issues/executive-vip-aviation-international-winter-2014/bandwidth-for-all-viasat-future-proofs-delivery |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150516044730/http://evaint.com/our-publications/eva-magazine/previous-issues/executive-vip-aviation-international-winter-2014/bandwidth-for-all-viasat-future-proofs-delivery |archive-date=May 16, 2015 |access-date=May 1, 2015 |publisher=EVA International Media}}</ref>

===International internet=== In 2017, Viasat established a commercial agreement with Grupo Prosperist, a telecommunications service provider in Mexico, to deploy the Community Wi-Fi service. Community Wi-Fi utilizes a centralized hotspot in order to connect to a Viasat satellite and deliver affordable internet service to remote communities in Mexico. By 2019, Community Wi-Fi was now accessible to over one million people throughout Mexico.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.satellitetoday.com/broadband/2019/01/23/viasat-community-wi-fi-reaches-1-million-people-in-mexico/|title=Viasat Community Wi-Fi Reaches 1 Million People in Mexico|work=Via Satellite|first=Annamarie|last=Nyirady|date=January 23, 2019}}</ref> Facebook also began investing in Community Wi-Fi in 2019 to continue providing high-speed, satellite-powered internet to rural locations across the world.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.etcentric.org/facebook-teams-with-viasat-to-offer-satellite-wi-fi-hotspots/|title=Facebook Teams with Viasat to Offer Satellite Wi-Fi Hotspots|work=Etcentric|first=Rob|last=Scott|date=February 22, 2019}}</ref>

In July 2020, Viasat launched a high-speed residential internet service for Brazil, using bandwidth from the Telebras SGDC-1 satellite. Its minimal infrastructure Wi-Fi service reached across eight states, including São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Minas Gerais, Pernambuco, Paraná, Rio Grande do Sul, Federal District, and Amazonas.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.satellitetoday.com/broadband/2020/07/07/viasat-launches-residential-internet-service-in-brazil/|title=Viasat Launches Residential Internet Service in Brazil|work=Via Satellite|first=Annamarie|last=Nyirady|date=July 7, 2020}}</ref>

==Security systems== Eclypt hard drives and external USB drives produced by Viasat are encrypted to ensure that data stored cannot be retrieved if a computer or storage device is stolen. Eclypt drives are used by governments, military forces, and law enforcement agencies.<ref name=rugged>{{cite web| url=http://www.rugged-systems.com/products/encrypted-hard-disk-drives/| publisher=Steatite Rugged Systems| title=Encrypted Hard Disk Drives| access-date=March 2, 2015| archive-date=July 17, 2017| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170717121251/http://www.rugged-systems.com/products/encrypted-hard-disk-drives/}}</ref>

Viasat Critical Infrastructure Security was introduced in 2013, designed to stop security breaches and monitor operation of grid networks using real-time intelligence.<ref name=elp>{{cite web| url=http://www.elp.com/articles/2013/01/viasat-demonstrates-critical-infrastructure-protection-at-distri.html| publisher=Electric Light and Power| title=ViaSat demonstrates critical infrastructure protection at DistribuTECH| date=January 30, 2013| access-date=March 2, 2015}}</ref> The process adds encrypted sensors to the critical national infrastructure networks and monitors all abnormal activity through a security operations center.<ref name=infosecurity>{{cite web| url=http://www.infosecurity-magazine.com/blogs/critical-national-infrastructure/| publisher=InfoSecurity| title=Critical National Infrastructure: How to Protect Vital Systems| author=Bob Tarzey| date=November 3, 2014| access-date=March 2, 2015}}</ref> Viasat is working in conjunction with Southern California Edison to enhance their critical infrastructure security systems through a funding from the U.S. Department of Energy meant to improve protection of the nation's electric grid and oil and gas infrastructure from cyber-attack.<ref name=elp2>{{cite web| url=http://www.elp.com/articles/2013/10/doe-funds-viasat-cybersecurity-development-with-two-utilities.html| publisher=Electric Light and Power| title=DOE funds ViaSat cybersecurity development with two utilities| date=October 24, 2013| access-date=March 2, 2015| archive-date=July 19, 2019| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190719074322/https://www.elp.com/articles/2013/10/doe-funds-viasat-cybersecurity-development-with-two-utilities.html}}</ref><ref name=satelliteprome>{{cite web| url=http://www.satelliteprome.com/news/us-department-of-energy-awards-usd-30m-for-cyber-attack-protection/| publisher=SatellitePro| title=US Department of Energy awards USD 30M for cyber-attack protection| date=October 25, 2013| access-date=March 2, 2015}}</ref>

===Government communications=== Viasat also offers mobile two-way satellite broadband services to the United States Government.<ref name=viasatgov>{{cite web| url=https://www.viasat.com/government-communications/government-satcom| publisher=ViaSat| title=Government Satcom Overview| access-date=March 2, 2015}}</ref> Tactical communications for the US military involves tactical data, information assurance, and satellite communications. Tactical data links provide secure networking for voice and data. Information assurance for encryption devices allow for the transfer of classified data across public networks. Satellite communications give real-time intelligence for command and control functions.<ref name=valueinvestorsclub>{{cite web| url=http://www.valueinvestorsclub.com/idea/VIASAT_INC/50776| publisher=Value Investors Club| title=VIASAT INC| date=May 24, 2011| access-date=March 2, 2015}}</ref> The US government uses ArcLight technology over a managed private network that operates on Ku-band satellite links and can use the Yonder global satellite network as well.<ref name=satellitetoday/> The worldwide satellite broadband access that Viasat offers allows for airborne mobile broadband for en route communications. The company has an airborne mobility program for C-17 jets and encrypts the satellite to hub link connections for the government.<ref name=defensesystems>{{cite web| url=http://defensesystems.com/Pages/Custom/Pathfinder-ViaSat/home.aspx| publisher=Pathfinder Defense Systems| title=ViaSat| access-date=March 2, 2015}}</ref> Viasat's Satellite Access Manager (SAM) supports Department of Defense missions through airborne intelligence for surveillance and reconnaissance operations. SAM increases bandwidth utilization and efficiency through real-time network monitoring systems for the ArcLight2 broadband terminals.<ref name=stategicdefence>{{cite web| url=http://www.strategicdefenceintelligence.com/article/aRpmiV4TvI/2012/03/22/viasat_deploys_sam_for_military_airborne_isr/| publisher=Strategic Defense Intelligence| title=ViaSat deploys SAM for military airborne ISR| date=March 22, 2012| access-date=March 2, 2015}}</ref>

==References== {{Reflist}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Viasat}} Category:Companies based in Carlsbad, California Category:Telecommunications companies established in 1986 Category:American companies established in 1986 Viasat, Inc Category:Internet service providers of the United States Category:Satellite Internet access Category:Communications satellite operators Category:Companies listed on the Nasdaq Category:1986 establishments in California Category:1996 initial public offerings Category:Viasat (American company) Category:Telecommunications companies of the United States

Viasat (American company)

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