Viasat Expands Ka-band Connectivity in Brazil

Satcom provider Viasat has expanded its high-capacity, Ka-band in-flight connectivity for business aviation users in Brazil and plans to bolster its broadband coverage in other parts of the world, the Carlsbad, California-based company announced today.

In Brazil, Viasat is using capacity on its Ka-band partner satellite, SGDC-1 (geostationary satellite for defense and strategic communications), owned by Telebras, which is Brazil’s state-owned telecommunications services provider. With the expanded in-flight connectivity offering, business aircraft operating there will have access to speeds typically greater than 20 Mbps, from takeoff to touchdown, according to the company.

Viasat also said that it will soon provide expanded Ka-band coverage and capacity across parts of Europe and the Middle East on the Avanti Communication Group’s HYLAS-4 and HYLAS-2 satellites. “This coverage expansion will enable us to extend connectivity for existing operators, pursue new business in these important regions, and further establish Viasat’s market presence globally,” said Claudio D'Amico, business area director for Viasat Business Aviation.

Coverage and capacity in those regions will be augmented in the future with the company’s ViaSat-3 satellite constellation, the company added.