Advanced Television

Viasat

Viasat, ESA link for D2D

Viasat and the European Space Agency (ESA) have signed a contract to “take European space to the next level”. The contract is with the Agency’s Advanced Research in Telecommunications Systems (ARTES 4.0) programme. The agreement could lead to a jointly-led low Earth orbiting satellite constellation. Josef Aschbacjker, ESA’s director general, said: “By developing Direct-to-Device technologies, […]

January 29, 2025By Chris Forrester

Viasat reorganises senior executive team

Viasat has announced a restructuring of its senior executive team to “better position the company for long-term growth”. Effective immediately, Craig Miller, currently President of Global Space Networks, will become SVP/Strategic Initiatives. In his new role, Miller will work closely with Mark Dankberg, Viasat’s Chairman of the Board and CEO, regarding strategic growth initiatives. Girish […]

January 24, 2025By Chris Forrester

Viasat gets tough on SpaceX

US satellite operator Viasat has filed a further objection to SpaceX’s plans to start using some of its satellites for Direct-to-Cellular services. The filing, ‘Petition for Reconsideration regarding SpaceX SCS Order’, was made on December 27th to the FCC. SCS refers to the FCC’s ‘Supplementary Coverage from Space’ guidelines. Amongst other statements, Viasat said: “More […]

January 6, 2025By Chris Forrester

ABS appoints d’Espinay at Chief Business Development Officer

ABS has announced the appointment of Bruno d’Espinay as Chief Business Development Officer. Based in Dubai, UAE, d’Espinay will lead ABS’s business development efforts, bringing over 15 years of expertise in driving strategic growth and forging partnerships within the satellite communications industry. d’Espinay is a results-driven executive known for his approach to business development and […]

December 10, 2024

Viasat partners with 5GAA to help unlock connected vehicle market

Viasat, a specialist in satellite communications, has joined the 5GAA alongside some of the world’s largest technology firms and automotive companies to enable connected transport applications like autonomous vehicles and predictive safety and maintenance. 5GAA is a cross-industry organisation bringing together automotive and technology companies to enable a unified connectivity ecosystem for transport, known as […]

November 21, 2024

Viasat wants access to Telesat; Q2 flat

It is becoming ever-clearer that geostationary satellite operators can no longer serve new clients without access to lower orbiting satellites. SES has its mPOWER O3b fleet. Eutelsat has its OneWeb lower orbiting assets. Now California-based Viasat, which also owns London-based Inmarsat, says it wants a closer relationship with Canada’s Telesat and its upcoming Lightspeed low […]

November 8, 2024By Chris Forrester

India: D2D satellite successfully trialed by Viasat, BSNL

Viasat, a global player in satellite communications, has successfully demonstrated direct-to-device (D2D) satellite connectivity in India for the first time. Working alongside partner BSNL, India’s telecommunications provider, Viasat engineers successfully showcased satellite-powered two-way messaging services for attendees at India Mobile Congress — one of Asia’s largest technology fairs. Viasat is currently working with its partners, […]

October 16, 2024

Viasat enhances business IFC

Satellite communications specialist Viasat has unveiled a variety of enhancements to its satellite network and service model that it says will raise the bar for business aviation in-flight connectivity. Viasat’s Jet ConneX customers will be the first to benefit from major performance improvements on selected plans, with the introduction of features such as uncapped speeds, […]

October 11, 2024

Viasat looks to raise $1.25bn

California-based satellite operator Viasat has announced that certain subsidiaries of the company intend raising $1.25 billion (€1.13bn) in Senior Secured Notes. The cash is being raised by Connect Finco SARL and Connect U.S. Finco LLC via Connect Bidco Limited (a subsidiary of Inmarsat). Viasat owns London-based Inmarsat. Most of the cash raised together with cash […]

September 10, 2024By Chris Forrester

Viasat True Crime for Czechia, Slovakia, Slovenia

Viasat World, the independent international media company, has announced its new crime-themed television channel, Viasat True Crime, will launch in Czechia, Slovakia and Slovenia on September 17th. Following the launch of Viasat True Crime in Poland with Canal+ earlier this year, Viasat World has partnered with operator partners, Vodafone in Czechia, where the new channel […]

September 5, 2024