ViaSat Receives Supplemental Type Certificate for its Gen-2 In-flight Connectivity System on Boeing 737 Aircraft
CARLSBAD, Calif., July 25, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- ViaSat Inc. (Nasdaq: VSAT), a global broadband services and technology company, announced today it received Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) approval from the FAA for its second generation (Gen-2) in-flight entertainment and connectivity (IFEC) system. The certification allows ViaSat to offer internet service on Boeing 737 aircraft. The first installation of the Gen-2 equipment was certified on a Qantas 737-800 aircraft in June 2017.
Achieving STC approval demonstrates the flight worthiness of ViaSat's Gen-2 Ka-band radome, antenna, entertainment software and in-cabin Wi-Fi distribution system. The Gen-2 equipment can enable:
- Even Faster In-Flight Internet Speeds: The Gen-2 system provides an onboard internet experience that consumers typically expect from ground-based Wi-Fi systems, with speeds that are 10 times faster than any other in-flight Wi-Fi system.
- More Capacity, More Streaming: The Gen-2 equipment drives more capacity from ViaSat's satellites, with an advanced modem set to support throughput levels of up to 1 Gigabit per second, and an upgraded antenna that will double the useable satellite capacity from ViaSat's satellites. Greater capacity will enable streaming at-scale – even at highly congested areas, including airport hubs.
- A Future-Proofed Broadband Solution: The Gen-2 system is forward and backward compatible with the ViaSat-2 and ViaSat-3 class satellites, allowing airlines to cost-effectively deploy the Gen-2 equipment today, and take advantage of the more than 3.5 terabits per second of total global capacity ViaSat expects to offer in the next few years. In addition, the Gen-2 equipment is compatible with most other Ka-band satellites, giving airlines greater choice in satellite solution provider.
- Streamlined Installation: The Gen-2 system leverages the durable and aerodynamic ARINC 791 adapter plate, which streamlines installation with its standardized design.
- Enhanced Entertainment: The Gen 2 system supports the ViaSat wireless In-flight Entertainment (w-IFE) software package for a fully integrated IFEC experience.
- Added Storage for New Applications: The Gen-2 system comes packed with 30 terabytes of solid-state storage, far exceeding the capabilities of other in-flight servers deployed today. With added storage, airlines can host more crew and passenger-focused applications within its open platform server.
"By achieving approval for the first ViaSat-2/ViaSat-3 compatible terminal STC, we are enabling airlines to offer in-flight internet service with unmatched quality, performance, scale and speed – both today and well into the future," said Don Buchman, vice president and general manager, Commercial Mobility, ViaSat. "This critical milestone will allow our airline customers and prospects to meet growing broadband needs at the best satellite economics."
About ViaSat
ViaSat, Inc. (NASDAQ: VSAT) keeps the world connected. As a global broadband services and technology company, ViaSat ensures consumers, businesses, governments and military personnel have communications access - anywhere - whether on the ground or in-flight. The Company's innovations in designing highest-capacity satellites and secure ground infrastructure and terminal technologies coupled with its international network of managed Wi-Fi hotspots enable ViaSat to deliver a best available network that extends the reach and accessibility of broadband internet service, globally. For more information visit ViaSat at: www.viasat.com, or follow the Company on social media: Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube.
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, among others, statements that refer to the performance, expected capacity, service, speeds, coverage, scalability and other features of ViaSat's in-flight internet service, and the timing, cost, economics and other benefits associated therewith. Readers are cautioned that actual results could differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ include: the ability to realize the anticipated benefits of the ViaSat-1, ViaSat-2 and ViaSat-3 satellites, unexpected expenses or delays related to satellite projects, the ability to successfully implement ViaSat's business plan for broadband satellite services on ViaSat's anticipated timeline or at all; risks associated with the construction, launch and operation of satellites used to supply these new services, including the effect of any anomaly, operational failure or degradation in satellite performance; turmoil in the global business environment and economic conditions; the ability to successfully develop, introduce and sell new technologies, products and services; reduced demand for products as a result of continued constraints on capital spending by customers; changes in relationships with, or the financial condition of, key customers or suppliers; reliance on a limited number of third parties to manufacture and supply ViaSat's products; increased competition and other factors affecting the communications industries generally; the effect of adverse regulatory changes on ViaSat's ability to sell products and services; ViaSat's level of indebtedness and ability to comply with applicable debt covenants; ViaSat's involvement in litigation, including intellectual property claims and litigation to protect proprietary technology; and ViaSat's dependence on a limited number of key employees. 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.
Copyright © 2017 ViaSat, Inc. All rights reserved. All other product or company names mentioned are used for identification purposes only and may be trademarks of their respective owners. ViaSat is a registered trademark of ViaSat, Inc.
SOURCE ViaSat, Inc.
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