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ViaSat Signs Satcom Direct as First Value-Added Reseller for its High-Speed Ka-band In-flight Internet Service

Nov. 21, 2017

ViaSat Inc. has expanded its current relationship with authorized value-added reseller Satcom Direct (SD), to offer ViaSat's full suite of in-flight connectivity (IFC) systems and services to large and mid-cabin business jets. The new agreement adds ViaSat's latest Ka-band business jet service to SD's IFC portfolio, which already included ViaSat's global Ku-band IFC service. ViaSat's Ka-band service is expected to be the fastest in-cabin business jet internet service on the market, with the most available data.

Through this new agreement, SD will now resell ViaSat's high speed, high-capacity business aviation service plans, which offer:

  • Highest speed business jet connectivity: The service offers 16 Mbps speeds on all plans, regardless of data allocation. With this much speed, business travelers can effortlessly stream media from any streaming media service to multiple user devices, VPN into their corporate network, hold a high-definition (HD) video conference call, conduct a voice over internet protocol (VoIP) calls, and browse the internet all at the same time.
  • An IPTV solution as part of its Ka-band package: ViaSat's Ka-band network provides an IPTV solution with no impact on the data plan, which is ideal for those aircraft owners concerned about the eventual turn-off of standard definition business jet TV broadcasts.
  • Global redundancy through ViaSat's Ku-band network: With any Ka-band service plan, business jet owners receive a global ViaSat Ku-band data package – at no extra cost – when the aircraft is properly equipped.

"2018 marks the ten-year anniversary of our successful partnership with ViaSat, providing business jet travelers valuable access to connectivity, virtually anywhere they fly," said Chris Moore, Chief Commercial Officer, Satcom Direct. "By expanding our relationship to cover ViaSat's new service, our customers will be able to access ViaSat's high-capacity network, supporting more simultaneous users per aircraft – even in crowded airspaces – which is a really important value proposition for today's global traveler."

"We're very pleased that SD is now reselling our best-in-market Ka-band service plans to the business aviation market," said Jerry Goodwin, vice president, Network Services, ViaSat. "Our Ka-band service is proven and currently supporting more than 60,000 commercial and senior leader government flights per month. By working with SD, we can now bring this great service to large and mid-cabin business jet owners and operators – who have been waiting for faster speeds, greater reliability and more service applications, including a broadcast TV service."