First Ka-band COTM networking using LinkWay^S2 modems

Carlsbad, Calif. – November 1, 2010 – ViaSat Inc. (Nasdaq: VSAT) has successfully demonstrated full-mesh satellite communications at Ka-band between an Australian Army deployable 1.0-metre Compact Transmit Receive Suite (CTRS) terminal located at the Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO) and a 48-cm communication-on-the-move (COTM) terminal located at BAE Systems Australia using a ViaSat LinkWay_S2™ MF-TDMA satellite modem. This demonstration further shows the ability of the LinkWay_S2 modem to simultaneously support satellite communications with fixed site, at-the-halt, and on-the-move terminals within a single tactical LinkWay® network.

The full-duplex mesh connection streamed high-definition video simultaneously in both directions between remote sites while the mobile satcom antenna was exercised on a multi-axis, full motion platform using the steerable Ka-band spot beam on the Optus C1 satellite. The LinkWay_S2master reference terminal for the demonstration originated from a fixed terminal with a DVB-S overlay sourced from another Ka transponder on Optus C1.

“This is the first demonstration of Ka-band broadband communications-on-the-move using standard, off-the-shelf LinkWay_S2 modems,” said Peter Weissmann, ViaSat business development manager for Australia and New Zealand. “This demonstration follows several very successful vehicular and airborne Ku-band mobile satcom demonstrations recently conducted in the U.S. It was also the first demonstration of the optional DVB overlay in a mobile setting, showing the versatility of the LinkWay_S2 platform.” 

ViaSat’s mobile satcom products and technologies support customers that operate on its Yonder® worldwide service as well on their own networks. 

The LinkWay full-mesh communication system has been a satellite networking workhorse for U.S. defense over many years and with the addition of this new COTM capability, will increase its ability to provide network-centric operations, particularly over the Wideband Global Satcom (WGS) constellation. 

The COTM antenna was designed and developed as a concept technology demonstrator by EM Solutions Pty Limited based in Brisbane, Australia under contract to DSTO and has been successfully tested on an Australian Bushmaster Personnel Mobility Vehicle (PMV).

For more information see the LinkWay _S2 system datasheet or to purchase LinkWay _S2 modems, email: gov.satcom@viasat.com.

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 increased ability to provide network-centric operations. 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.

LinkWay and Yonder are trademarks of ViaSat Inc.

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