Viasat Announces Comprehensive Agreement with Ligado Networks: A New Chapter in Satellite-Terrestrial Collaboration

Viasat, a leading global communications company specializing in satellite broadband and secure networking systems, has entered into a far-reaching agreement with Ligado Networks, a U.S.-based developer of advanced satellite-terrestrial spectrum systems. The newly announced partnership reshapes how next-generation connectivity solutions will develop at the nexus of satellite and terrestrial networks.

The agreement resolves ongoing legal and commercial disputes between the two companies while establishing a framework for long-term cooperation. Central terms include coordinated use of spectrum in the L-band, commitments to mutual spectrum compatibility, and shared technological roadmaps. It also positions Viasat to benefit from Ligado's 40 MHz of L-band spectrum assets for expanded service capabilities across North America.

By aligning two influential players with complementary infrastructure and regulatory positioning, this partnership signals a shift in the U.S. telecommunications dynamic—particularly as demand intensifies for hybrid networks that support 5G, aviation, defense, and IoT ecosystems. In a landscape defined by spectrum scarcity and increasing global connectivity demands, this collaboration opens pathways to faster, more flexible, and resilient network architectures.

Viasat and Ligado Seal Landmark Deal with Court Backing

Announcement Details

On January 24, 2024, Viasat Inc. (NASDAQ: VSAT) and Ligado Networks reached a binding agreement that reshapes both companies’ positions in the U.S. satellite and terrestrial communications sectors. The announcement came through a joint press release, officially marking the start of a strategic transaction centered on spectrum cooperation and future interoperability.

This agreement outlines a clear roadmap for settlement of longstanding disputes, reallocation of spectrum usage, and shared commitment to technical collaboration. The press release highlighted forward-looking objectives, affirming that both parties view this as a conclusive step toward sustained commercial and regulatory stability.

Bankruptcy Court Approval

Integral to the credibility of the agreement is its endorsement by the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Virginia. The court granted its approval as part of Ligado Networks’ ongoing Chapter 11 restructuring process. In doing so, it validated the binding term sheet negotiated between both entities, allowing execution across the necessary operational and financial components.

This judicial authorization confirms the binding nature of the obligations and removes key legal uncertainties that previously surrounded Ligado’s restructuring efforts. The court’s greenlight also facilitates a clear pathway for the company to implement its definitive reorganization plan.

Fiscal Considerations

The term sheet defines specific payment timelines and total financial exposure. While exact transactional figures remain confidential, industry reports confirm a multimillion-dollar settlement structure binding both companies under phased commitments. These include an initial payment window following court approval, recurring milestone-based disbursements, and conditional payouts tied to spectrum-sharing activation events.

Such structuring enables a sustained capital flow into Ligado’s operations during its post-bankruptcy reformation phase while offering Viasat tokenized rights and preferred access to certain L-band assets. This dynamic reaffirms both parties' long-term stakes and aligns financial incentives with technical deliverables.

Mapping the Strategic Framework of the Viasat-Ligado Agreement

Summary of the Term Sheet

The term sheet signed by Viasat and Ligado Networks outlines a multi-layered partnership focused on spectrum utilization and advanced satellite services. Structured as a long-term arrangement, the agreement combines commercial, technical, and operational alignments. Central to the term sheet is Viasat’s access to Ligado’s L-band spectrum, which will be directly integrated into Viasat’s satellite service offerings. In return, Ligado gains a strategic partner capable of accelerating deployment and scaling the use of its mid-band spectrum assets.

Key Clauses and Commercial Terms

• Exclusive rights: Viasat secures certain exclusive usage rights to portions of Ligado’s licensed L-band spectrum to support its current and future satellite systems.
• Performance-based milestones: Payment structures are tied to deployment objectives, ensuring that capital commitments translate directly into operational rollouts.
• Joint development efforts: The agreement incorporates co-engineering collaborations to align hardware and service-level innovations between both companies.
• Revenue-sharing model: A scalable framework based on network traffic and data throughput volumes, targeting efficiency in monetizing broadband demand.

Nature of the Services Covered

The deal encapsulates both terrestrial and space-based communications services. Viasat will use Ligado’s licensed spectrum to expand fixed and mobile satellite connectivity in North America, leveraging low-latency L-band channels for redundant pathways. Services cover government, enterprise, and mobility sectors—including aviation and maritime—addressing mission-critical communication needs with higher reliability and coverage.

Long-term Value and Mutual Benefits

This framework deepens vertical integration across spectrum and satellite networks. For Viasat, the partnership reduces spectrum acquisition risks while accelerating L-band network deployment. Ligado gains operational scale and global reach by aligning with a major satellite operator. Both parties mitigate time-to-market and leverage joint licensing assets to unlock new commercial applications.

Goals for Both Viasat and Ligado

• Enable interoperability between space and terrestrial infrastructure.
• Advance L-band's role in connected mobility, with integrated solutions across aviation and logistics.
• Maximize spectrum utilization via dynamic spectrum sharing and coordination.
• Position both companies as critical enablers of resilient 5G and next-gen broadband ecosystems.

Expected Economic and Operational Outcomes

Operational outcomes include integration of L-band spectrum into Viasat’s next-generation satellite fleet, particularly within the ViaSat-3 constellation. Economically, shared usage models and optimized network design drive down per-bit cost while increasing coverage efficiency. As the L-band services go live, revenue is expected to grow from both wholesale and direct customer segments, including aviation connectivity carriers and federal contracts.

Advancing Satellite Communications Through Strategic Synergy

Integration of Satellite Capabilities

Viasat’s collaboration with Ligado Networks adds a new layer of integration to satellite communications architecture. This agreement enables tighter alignment between satellite-based systems and terrestrial mobile technologies, creating a seamless communication environment. With access to the L-band spectrum previously controlled by Ligado, Viasat can now extend its satellite services with reduced latency and greater flexibility across complex communication networks.

Viasat’s Global Satellite Service Portfolio

Viasat operates a robust fleet of high-throughput satellites, including the ViaSat-2 and ViaSat-3 series, which provide broadband coverage to North America, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. These assets support commercial aviation, maritime operations, government defense projects, and consumer broadband. The launch of ViaSat-3 Americas in 2023 marked a significant leap, offering up to 1 Terabit per second capacity and covering nearly a third of the globe with a single satellite.

Complementary Strengths of Ligado’s Network

Ligado’s L-band assets and terrestrial network architecture complement Viasat’s satellite infrastructure by filling in gaps where direct satellite coverage becomes inefficient or unavailable. The narrowband capabilities of Ligado’s assets harmonize well with Viasat’s high-throughput satellite links, particularly in urban, hard-to-reach, or interference-prone zones. This layered solution increases network resiliency and aligns with evolving multi-layered global connectivity models.

Enabling a Hybrid Communications Infrastructure

Combining Viasat’s space-based platforms with Ligado’s ground-based terrestrial network enables a hybrid communications model that dynamically allocates data traffic based on demand, cost efficiency, and operational priorities. This hybridization leads to optimized bandwidth usage and guarantees higher service uptime for enterprise and government clients operating in mobile or extreme environments.

Convergence of Satellite and Terrestrial Mobile Broadband

The agreement accelerates the convergence of satellite and terrestrial mobile broadband, forming a cohesive ecosystem for next-generation applications. Time-sensitive functions — such as autonomous vehicle navigation, remote medical diagnostics, and defense communications — benefit from ultra-reliable links that shift seamlessly between space and ground networks. The result is consistent coverage across geographies without reliance on fixed infrastructure.

Supporting Remote and Underserved Regions

In regions where terrestrial infrastructure is sparse or non-existent, such as sub-Saharan Africa, Arctic zones, or disaster-struck territories, the joint capabilities of Viasat and Ligado deliver reliable broadband access. These services support remote education, telemedicine, emergency response, and socio-economic development efforts by extending high-capacity mobile broadband into communities that telecom carriers often leave behind. This strategic integration bridges digital divides while strengthening national and international communication infrastructure.

Unlocking Wireless Potential: Spectrum Sharing and Licensing Synergy

Ligado’s Mid-Band Spectrum Assets

Ligado Networks controls a valuable block of L-band spectrum in the 1.5 GHz range—specifically, the 1526–1536 MHz, 1627.5–1637.5 MHz, and 1646.5–1656.5 MHz bands. This mid-band frequency range sits in the sweet spot between capacity and coverage. It enables fast data transfer rates over a broader range than high-band millimeter-wave alternatives, while supporting denser data applications than low-band counterparts.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) authorized Ligado to deploy its spectrum for terrestrial use in 2020. This decision unlocked non-traditional broadband potential and positioned these L-band frequencies as strong candidates for private wireless networks, Internet of Things (IoT) systems, and advanced 5G deployment arenas in the United States.

Efficient Spectrum Utilization Through Strategic Alignment

This agreement allows Viasat access to Ligado’s spectrum assets under a shared and licensed model. Rather than exclusive use being locked to a single entity, both companies will operate within a coordinated technical framework that prioritizes dynamic usage and coexistence. This structure minimizes underutilization of valuable spectrum and allows more network layers to coexist in the same geographic and frequency footprint.

Joint usage will be managed through a licensing model that grants Viasat access to certain L-band frequencies across key regions. By aligning spectrum access with application-specific network deployments—such as IoT, connected vehicles, and mobile backhaul—Viasat can adapt spectrum use to match evolving demand profiles and shifting customer needs.

5G and Beyond: The Strategic Edge of Shared Spectrum

Shared and licensed mid-band spectrum produces clear advantages for next-generation wireless infrastructure. Mid-band frequencies enable edge computing, mission-critical IoT connectivity, and ultra-reliable low-latency communications—three pillars of advanced 5G ecosystems. This agreement positions both Viasat and Ligado to leverage these capabilities across urban and rural deployments alike.

• Lower latency: Mid-band spectrum cuts transmission lag, enhancing real-time communication.
• Increased network capacity: Coordinated sharing allows more devices and high-speed services to operate simultaneously without interference.
• Faster time to deployment: Pre-approved licensing and clear usage rights reduce the regulatory friction that usually delays new network rollouts.

Where licensed spectrum usually comes with coverage obligations and static models of deployment, this collaboration allows for adaptive network building. The result: tailored wireless environments optimized for efficiency, flexibility, and scale.

Pushing the Boundaries of 5G Deployment Through Strategic Integration

Driving Terrestrial and Non-Terrestrial 5G Expansion

The agreement between Viasat and Ligado Networks introduces a scalable model for deploying 5G technologies across both terrestrial and non-terrestrial infrastructures. By combining Ligado’s lower mid-band spectrum assets with Viasat’s satellite communications capabilities, the collaboration delivers a hybrid architecture capable of supporting ultra-reliable low-latency communications across diverse geographies.

In urban areas, the deployment of mid-band spectrum enhances data throughput and coverage consistency—key requirements for high-density environments. In rural and remote zones, satellite augmentation from Viasat fills coverage gaps where fiber and tower infrastructure remain economically unfeasible. This combined deployment model ensures that 5G capacity becomes uniformly available regardless of location.

Accelerating Vertical Use Cases Across Industries

Beyond network coverage, the alliance accelerates the activation of high-impact 5G use cases. Through shared spectrum utilization and integrated satellite backhaul, several latency-sensitive and bandwidth-intensive applications get a direct performance boost.

• Autonomous Transport: Vehicles in smart mobility corridors rely on continuous, low-latency connectivity. With Viasat and Ligado’s integrated solution, edge computing and real-time data exchange between vehicles and infrastructure become feasible even in remote or edge environments, enabling improvements in route intelligence, collision avoidance, and fleet coordination.
• IoT in Energy and Agriculture: Energy equipment in oil fields, solar farms, and wind turbines—often located in sparse regions—require robust M2M connectivity. By leveraging Ligado’s terrestrial mid-band alongside Viasat’s L-band satellite communications, IoT devices in these sectors remain online, transmitting telemetry, performance data, and predictive maintenance alerts in near real-time. Similarly, connected irrigation systems, autonomous tractors, and soil monitoring devices benefit from uninterrupted data flows regardless of geography.
• Public Safety Broadband: Emergency communications mandate resilience and interoperability. With this partnership, first responders gain access to redundant network paths—cellular when available, satellite when terrestrial links are compromised. This dynamic switching enhances mission-centric apps, video uplinks, and situational awareness tools during disasters, enabling continuity of command and control without infrastructure constraints.

The strategic pairing of Viasat’s space assets with Ligado’s ground-based spectrum portfolio doesn’t just expand connectivity, it redefines the reliability and reach of the 5G ecosystem for both commercial and mission-critical domains.

Shaping the Future: Telecommunications Infrastructure Innovation

Expansion of Infrastructure Capabilities

The agreement between Viasat and Ligado Networks creates momentum for expanding next-generation telecommunications infrastructure. By aligning spectrum assets and network technologies, this collaboration enables flexible deployment models that adapt to demand-intensive environments. Instead of relying on siloed systems, integrated platforms will accelerate scalability and improve capacity.

Fiber, Terrestrial Wireless, and Satellite Integration

This partnership leverages a tri-modal infrastructure strategy. Fiber offers high-throughput backhaul in urban centers; terrestrial wireless delivers agile connectivity over dense and semi-rural regions; while satellite links fill critical gaps in remote and underserved areas. The interplay between these three modes ensures uninterrupted service delivery across varied terrains and use cases.

Benefits to Commercial and Government Customers

Private enterprises and public agencies will benefit from a more versatile and cost-efficient network architecture. Businesses in sectors like logistics, energy, telemedicine, and precision agriculture will see lower latency and enhanced service continuity. Government applications range from border surveillance to emergency response coordination—each requiring robust connectivity under all operational conditions.

Flexible Network Access

Through dynamic spectrum management and software-defined networking, users gain the ability to access mission-critical systems with reduced dependence on fixed infrastructure. Field operations can now initiate and maintain secure communications from virtually any location—whether on land, at sea, or in the air.

Greater Resilience and Geographic Reach

Redundant pathways across terrestrial and satellite links protect against single points of failure. In the event of localized outages—caused by natural disasters or cyber incidents—traffic can be rerouted through alternate channels. This redundancy extends service reach from metropolitan hubs to isolated outposts, deepening national coverage and bolstering operational continuity.

Engineering a Clear Signal: Interference Mitigation Technologies Under the Viasat-Ligado Agreement

Historical Concerns: The GPS Interference Debate

For more than a decade, wireless industry stakeholders have scrutinized proposals to repurpose L-band spectrum because of the perceived risk to global navigation satellite system (GNSS) services—especially GPS. Ligado’s previous plans to deploy terrestrial networks in the 1500 MHz band triggered objections from aviation, defense, and GPS user communities. Core issues hinged on adjacent band interference, where high-powered terrestrial transmissions risked degrading the accuracy or availability of satellite signals.

Technical studies, including those from the Department of Transportation and RTCA, documented potential signal degradation under specific conditions. For instance, a 2020 report by RTCA concluded that Ligado’s proposed network could cause harmful interference to certain categories of GPS receivers operating within 500 feet of the transmission source. As a result, any network development involving this spectrum required both new technology and regulatory rigor.

Modern Technologies and Frameworks Rewriting the Standard

Today, the narrative has shifted. Advanced filtering systems, dynamic power control, beamforming, and time division multiplexing have dramatically decreased potential for adjacent-band interference. GNSS receivers have also evolved, incorporating digital signal processing and improved antenna designs that increase resilience to spurious signals.

On the regulatory side, a new technical standard—NTIA’s proposed GPS Adjacent Band Compatibility framework—guides permissible operations adjacent to GNSS frequencies. Combined with FCC licensing conditions, this framework emphasizes practical performance metrics rather than static interference thresholds, encouraging design innovations in both transmission equipment and receivers.

How Viasat and Ligado Plan to Eliminate Interference Risks

Viasat and Ligado have jointly committed to deploying wireless infrastructure that aligns with updated interference protection criteria. The agreement includes coordination protocols to prevent co-channel and adjacent band overlaps that degrade critical satellite services. These measures aren't advisory—they're integrated into the network architecture.

• Collaborative Engineering Review: Joint design assessments ensure interoperability from the earliest phases of development.
• Real-Time Spectrum Management: Dynamic frequency selection and geofencing allow infrastructure to adapt transmission profiles based on RF environment.
• Receiver-Rich Testing Environments: Field tests include a variety of GPS receiver types—civilian, military, aviation—under controlled and real-world scenarios.
• Redundancy and Fail-Safes: Built-in safeguards allow automatic shutdown or channel relocation if signal thresholds are exceeded.

Respecting the Spectrum: A Joint Commitment to Safe Wireless Growth

Viasat and Ligado have signaled their intention to respect both spectral coexistence and operational integrity. This isn’t just compliance for compliance’s sake—it’s baked into the deployment pipeline. Their commitment outlines active mitigation, not reactive troubleshooting.

By aligning technical standards with operational strategy, they support wireless expansion without sacrificing GNSS reliability. This approach aligns with ongoing federal goals to modernize U.S. spectrum policy while safeguarding legacy satellite systems.

Regulatory and Government Approvals: Foundations for Scalable Implementation

Federal Approvals Define the Path Forward

Securing authorization from federal entities such as the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) directly impacts the execution of spectrum-sharing agreements. For the Viasat-Ligado collaboration, these approvals not only validate the technical feasibility of their shared-band approach but also allow scalable deployment across national and defense infrastructure.

Clear Alignment with FCC and NTIA Spectrum Policy

The agreement aligns with both FCC spectrum policy goals and NTIA’s spectrum management strategy, particularly the focus on maximizing the utility of mid-band spectrum frequencies while preserving operations for incumbent federal and non-federal users. This strategic conformity enables streamlined policy compliance and significantly reduces regulatory friction across governmental layers.

Commitment to Public Interest and Transparent Engagement

Both companies structured the deal to serve public-interest imperatives. Through formal coordination with federal stakeholders, the framework prioritizes transparency, open dialogue, and balanced trade-offs between commercial expansion and secure communications for governmental use. Such alignment ensures that the benefits—ranging from enhanced rural coverage to military readiness—are widely distributed and equitably supported.

Building on Ligado’s Historical Coordination Efforts

Ligado’s previous collaborations with federal agencies, particularly its years-long engagement to address adjacent-band interference concerns, have laid considerable groundwork. The FCC’s April 2020 decision to grant Ligado access to portions of the L-band rested on extensive technical review and inter-agency discussion, establishing a precedent that the current Viasat-Ligado agreement leverages. That foundation expedites the regulatory vetting process and supports the operational clarity the agreement requires.

Driving Innovation Through Public-Private Sector Collaboration

Joint Commitment to Transformative Innovation

Viasat and Ligado Networks have anchored their agreement in a shared vision: accelerating innovation through a powerful blend of public and private sector capabilities. By aligning their resources and technical expertise, both organizations aim to fast-track advancements that directly serve the evolving needs of government, industry, and consumers. This partnership doesn't act in isolation—it plugs directly into broader national initiatives aimed at reimagining how spectrum is used and shared in the wireless landscape.

Supporting National Broadband and Spectrum Goals

The collaboration reinforces the U.S. government's goals outlined in the National Spectrum Strategy and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021. These federal blueprints prioritize optimizing spectrum efficiency and expanding high-speed broadband access across rural and underserved regions. By leveraging Ligado’s mid-band spectrum and Viasat’s satellite and terrestrial expertise, the agreement serves as a scalable example of how industry actors can contribute measurably to federal connectivity and spectrum-sharing targets.

• Ligado brings licensed L-band spectrum tailored for terrestrial and hybrid networks.
• Viasat contributes global satellite delivery, adaptive networking, and interference management systems.
• Their integration model supports both private innovation and public spectrum management objectives.

A Catalyst for Telecom Modernization Through Public-Private Synergy

This strategic alignment positions both companies as key contributors to a new model of telecom modernization—fueled not only by corporate R&D but by productive relationships with federal agencies such as the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). Together, Viasat and Ligado are creating replicable frameworks for network deployment, spectrum coexistence, and infrastructure scalability that can guide future national projects.

How does this shift the telecom innovation landscape? It creates reference points. It demonstrates to other public-private ventures how shared assets and objectives can unlock spectrum value, improve resiliency, and deliver tangible broadband outcomes across diverse geographic and economic zones.

Charting the Future: A Strategic Alliance Setting New Benchmarks

The comprehensive agreement between Viasat and Ligado Networks marks a pivotal turning point for the telecommunications and satellite communications sectors. By aligning their complementary assets—ranging from spectrum rights to network infrastructure—both companies have established a model for how collaborative innovation can meet the demands of modern connectivity.

This partnership ties together advanced satellite capabilities and terrestrially focused spectrum initiatives. That synergy creates a powerful foundation for deploying next-generation technologies, including low-latency, high-throughput networks essential for real-time data-intensive applications.

Both Viasat and Ligado have reinforced their long-term commitment to collaborative spectrum utilization, responsible innovation, and dynamic 5G and satellite integration. The agreement reflects a shared vision: enabling commercially viable, technology-driven solutions that meet increasingly complex connectivity requirements across industries.

What does this mean for stakeholders?

• Consumers gain access to more robust network coverage with higher reliability, particularly in regions previously underserved by traditional infrastructure.
• Enterprise sectors—including logistics, aerospace, and utilities—can expect enhanced support for IoT systems, autonomous operations, and secure mobile data solutions.
• Government agencies benefit from a scalable, resilient communications framework ready to support defense, emergency response, and civic applications.
• Regulatory bodies see a case for effective spectrum management and public-private alignment in accelerating nationwide wireless deployment.

This alliance moves beyond traditional competition. It demonstrates how coordinated strategies between spectrum owners and network innovators can unlock efficiencies, expand market access, and cement leadership in an increasingly interconnected world.