Naples, Fl
April 1st, 2014 – LightSquared, operators of the MSAT communications satellite constellation, are pleased to announced a multi-year strategic partnership agreement with ViaSat, Inc. ViaSat offers fixed and mobile satellite network services, which features ViaSat-1, the world’s highest capacity satellite; satellite broadband networking systems; and network-centric military communication systems and cyber security products for the U.S. and allied governments. Together, LightSquared and ViaSat will introduce ViaSat L-band Managed Service, an exciting new mobile satellite service that will combine the power of LightSquared’s MSAT state-of-the-art SkyTerra 1 L-band satellite, with ViaSat secure, all-IP, true packet-switched satellite technology.
Considered one of the most powerful communications satellites ever built
SkyTerra 1 L-band satellite provides ubiquitous coverage throughout North and Central America. Launched in 2011, the L-band satellite supports transmissions to small, cost effective MSAT G2 Satellite Radio by using a 22-meter reflector-based antenna, the largest satellite reflector ever employed on a commercial satellite. ViaSat L-band Managed Service will be the first to use this advanced satellite technology to support higher data throughputs to smaller devices and facilitate an order of magnitude capacity improvement over comparable L-band legacy systems. The new managed service is a reliable, always-on, low latency service that offers broadcast and multicast data transport and embedded voice over a highly secure network.
ViaSat L-band Managed Service will enable the development of specific applications designed to serve the communications needs of consumer, enterprise, and government segments. This unique device ecosystem will initially include M2M, vehicular, and aviation devices designed to support a range of applications from communications for emergency first responders, to monitoring oil and gas flow through pipelines, to mobile workforce management, and tracking and monitoring of high-valued assets whether fixed or mobile.
Download speeds up to 10 times what they are able to achieve today
“Our strategic cooperation with ViaSat provides LightSquared with an expanded foundation for near- and long-term business opportunities,” said Doug Smith, chairman and CEO of LightSquared. “This agreement gives new and current LightSquared partners access to a lineup of products and services with smaller form factors and will offer download speeds up to 10 times what they are able to achieve today.”
“The LightSquared SkyTerra 1 L-band satellite has brought the same kind of bold innovation to personal mobile communications that we’ve brought to satellite broadband with our high-capacity ViaSat-1 Ka-band satellite,” said Phil Berry, VP and general manager of MSS at ViaSat. “Together with LightSquared, we are bringing to market products and services that address the unmet needs of a variety of mobile communicators.”