ViaSat and RascomStar-QAF Introduce Low-Power, Low-Cost Cellular System

CARLSBAD, Calif., Feb. 1, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- ViaSat Inc. (Nasdaq: VSAT) and RascomStar-QAF are introducing a portable, low-power GSM cellular system with integrated satellite backhaul that can quickly extend an operator's infrastructure or create a new greenfield network. Using a new distributed software architecture for the first time, the low-bandwidth, low-power remote infrastructure equips mobile operators to deliver profitable and sustainable voice, messaging, and data services to low ARPU communities. The system design includes GSM technology now with an easy transition to 3G coming soon. Powered by solar panels, the new system is ideally suited to off-grid green site locations and can immediately deliver services with minimal risk.

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The new system will debut at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona, Spain, February 14-17, in stand #AV09 on the Hospitality Suite Avenue.

"We're looking forward to MWC as a great opportunity to meet with mobile network operators and gather their experiences and requirements for rural communities and other challenging environments," said Harry Stribos, sales director for ViaSat. "Their valuable insight can help us refine this system so they can expand services to these types of markets."

The entire system is easily transportable and installs in only a few hours, even with non-technical staff. The system interoperates with GSM/3G management systems and facilitates roaming and mobile network operator (MNO) internetworking. When compared to the cost of extending traditional cellular networks with fiber, microwave or SCPC VSAT backhaul, this complete end-to-end option is available at only a fraction of the capital and operating costs.

About ViaSat

ViaSat produces innovative satellite and other digital communication products that enable fast, secure, and efficient communications to virtually any location. The company provides networking products and managed network services for enterprise IP applications; is a key supplier of network-centric military communications and encryption technologies and products to the U.S. government; is the primary technology partner for gateway and customer-premises equipment for consumer and mobile satellite broadband services; and owns WildBlue, the premier Ka-band satellite broadband service provider. ViaSat also offers design capabilities and a number of complementary products including monolithic microwave integrated circuits and modules, DVB-S2 satellite communication components, video data link systems, data acceleration and compression, and mobile satellite antenna systems. Based in Carlsbad, Calif., ViaSat includes a number of worldwide locations for customer service, network operations, and technology development.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements that are subject to the safe harbors created under the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Forward-looking statements include statements that refer to the system transition to 3G. ViaSat wishes to caution you that there are some factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, including but not limited to: contractual problems, product defects, manufacturing issues or delays, regulatory issues, technologies not being developed according to anticipated schedules, or that do not perform according to expectations; and increased competition and other factors affecting the defense industry generally. In addition, please refer to the risk factors contained in ViaSat's SEC filings available at www.sec.gov, including ViaSat's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date on which they are made. ViaSat undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements for any reason.

SOURCE ViaSat Inc.