Barrett Xplore to utilize 100% of Canadian capacity on ViaSat-1 broadband satellite

Jun 4, 2010

Barrett Xplore Inc. and Loral Space & Communications Inc. announced that Barrett Xplore Inc., Canada's largest rural broadband provider, confirms that it will utilize all KA data capacity on the soon to be launched ViaSat-1 satellite, which will be geostationary (GEO) over Canada.

"Barrett Xplore Inc. has invested more than any other ISP in Canada in rural broadband technology and capacity. There is simply no question that if we want to get broadband to 100% of Canadians, these next-generation, High Throughput Satellites (HTS) are the only way to get that job done. Just as satellites enable Canadians to connect from coast to coast to coast through television and telephones, satellites will be critical in allowing all Canadians to enjoy the transformative benefits of broadband. Our decision to secure 100% of Loral's Ka-band GEO capacity reflects our continued belief in a hybrid technology approach (fixed wireless and satellite) and the high broadband experience that HTS can deliver to meet the broadband needs of Canadians," said John Maduri, CEO of Barrett Xplore.

"Barrett Xplore's decision to secure 100% of Loral's Ka-band GEO capacity on ViaSat-1 validates our confidence in the strong and growing importance of broadband over satellite," said Michael Targoff, chief executive officer of Loral Space & Communications. "We are very pleased to help facilitate Barrett Xplore's delivery of high-quality Internet service to rural homes and businesses in Canada."

The satellite is currently under construction at Space Systems/Loral and is on schedule to launch in early Q1 2011. The satellite will allow Barrett Xplore to deliver a robust customer experience for accessing current and future bandwidth-intensive Internet applications with speeds as fast as 25Mbps.

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