A Cobham Satcom antenna system will enable high-speed connectivity via the ViaSat-3 constellation.
Viasat Inc. and Cobham Satcom have collaborated on a new, advanced satellite connectivity solution for the maritime and energy industries in preparation for the launch of Viasat’s next-generation satellite constellation, ViaSat-3.
The connectivity system, which will include a portfolio of antenna systems from Cobham Satcom, is being meticulously designed to deliver advanced, high-speed connectivity that will leverage the immense satellite capacity expected from the ViaSat-3 constellation. Each of the three ViaSat-3 satellites is anticipated to deliver at least 1 Terabit of data per second (1Tbps) equal to 1,000 Gigabits per second, which will provide flexibility to offer even faster Internet speeds and manage increasingly data-hungry applications. In addition, the collaboration will include the introduction of the industry’s first upgrade kit, which will allow the conversion of existing Ku and other Ka-band services to Viasat services.
Viasat and Cobham Satcom will work with Cobham Satcom’s broad global distribution network to provide customers professional fit for purpose pre-sales and after-sales support.
Commenting on the deal, Shameem Hashmi, VP and GM of Maritime, Viasat, said: “Building off our long-standing relationship, we have been able to closely collaborate during Cobham Satcom’s development of next-generation terminals to optimise the broadband connectivity experience on our future satellites. The terminal solution will be important as the ViaSat-3 constellation, once complete, is expected to, incredibly, increase Viasat’s total satellite fleet capacity by 600%. Plus, layered upon this immense capacity will be the ability to flexibly move the capacity, directing it to high-demand areas, such as the Caribbean, the Mediterranean or Straits of Singapore and Malacca where demand for maritime connectivity is often concentrated.”
The companies are expanding upon a long-term successful relationship that dates to 2015, and more recently rapidly made inroads to provide high-speed connectivity in the maritime industry. The companies have deployed fast, reliable satellite broadband internet on hundreds of vessels with Viasat’s existing Ka-band network and Cobham Satcom’s advanced Ka-band SAILOR user terminal. The current solution has quickly gained momentum as demand for reliable connectivity onboard vessels soars, especially from productivity application, video conferencing and entertainment.
