Call: 1-877-697-2926

Viasat (VSAT) Expands Satellite Services with GX10A and GX10B Pa

Viasat VSAT Expands Satellite Services: Pushing the Boundaries of Global Connectivity

Viasat stands at the forefront of satellite communications, delivering high-speed, secure, and reliable connectivity to businesses, governments, and consumers around the world. With a clear focus on bridging the digital divide, the company continues to innovate across broadband, mobility, and defense markets—supporting global operations in environments where traditional infrastructure falls short.

In today’s hyper-connected global economy, uninterrupted access to data and real-time communication capabilities directly influence business efficiency, reach, and resiliency. Satellite services have emerged not as a backup, but as a primary enabler in regions underserved by terrestrial networks.

At the core of that capability lies VSAT (Very Small Aperture Terminal) technology—compact satellite ground stations that facilitate two-way communication via geostationary and low-earth orbit satellites. These terminals empower operations in remote locations, from offshore rigs to disaster recovery zones, and are now scaling rapidly to support enterprise-level digital transformation strategies.

The Technology Driving Viasat’s Global Expansion

Understanding VSAT: The Backbone of Viasat’s Connectivity Strategy

VSAT, or Very Small Aperture Terminal, forms the core of Viasat’s satellite communication infrastructure. These compact satellite ground stations provide two-way data communications via satellites, enabling high-speed internet access in areas that terrestrial networks can’t reach.

Viasat configures its VSAT systems to support diverse applications—from broadband internet and VoIP to secure enterprise networks and wide-area connectivity. Each terminal connects users to one of Viasat’s satellites through a central hub, optimizing bandwidth allocation and reducing latency through advanced modulation techniques.

High Throughput Satellites: Amplifying Capacity and Speed

Viasat deploys High Throughput Satellites (HTS) to exponentially increase data capacity compared to traditional satellites. An HTS divides its coverage area into numerous spot beams instead of a single wide beam; each beam reuses the same frequency spectrum, multiplying total bandwidth without requiring extra orbital resources.

For example, Viasat-2, launched in 2017, offers 260 Gbps of total network capacity. That’s more than double the throughput of its predecessor, Viasat-1. Higher capacity translates into faster speeds for users—even under high demand—plus greater flexibility in traffic management and service scalability.

Advancing Satellite Fleet Architecture: Viasat-3 and Beyond

The Viasat-3 constellation marks a further leap in satellite engineering. Each Viasat-3 satellite is designed to deliver over 1 Terabit per second (Tbps) of total network capacity, making it one of the most powerful commercial broadband satellites ever built.

Armed with dynamic beamforming and efficient power allocation, these satellites can dynamically direct more bandwidth to regions with heavier user demand. The first satellite in the Viasat-3 series, covering the Americas, launched in 2023. Once the full constellation is operational—covering the Americas, APAC, and EMEA—Viasat’s satellite footprint will span nearly the entire globe.

This continuous evolution of fleet architecture, backed by proprietary ground infrastructure, gives Viasat the technical leverage to match or exceed fiber-grade connectivity—even in places where fiber doesn't exist.

Expanding Access: Meeting the Demand for Satellite Internet Connectivity

Global Internet Gaps Widen as Infrastructure Lags

In many regions across the globe, terrestrial internet infrastructure remains either nonexistent or severely limited. Sub-Saharan Africa, parts of Southeast Asia, remote areas in Latin America, and far-flung regions of the Middle East all face persistent coverage gaps. According to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), approximately 2.7 billion people worldwide were still offline as of 2022. Fiber deployment in these areas is often economically unjustifiable due to low population density and difficult terrains.

These limitations create high demand for reliable, scalable, and high-throughput satellite services—demand Viasat is directly positioned to satisfy with its Very Small Aperture Terminals (VSATs).

Viasat’s VSAT Terminals: A Flexible Solution to the Coverage Crisis

Viasat’s current VSAT systems deliver flexible connectivity regardless of local infrastructure constraints. With adaptive antennas and advanced bandwidth management technology, these terminals create new touchpoints for users in disconnected regions. VSAT hardware pairs seamlessly with Viasat’s satellite networks to deliver broadband experiences where fiber and cellular aren’t viable options.

Whether the goal is basic internet access in rural communities or enterprise-grade connectivity for field operations, Viasat maintains the capacity to deliver both, using robust satellite links.

Real-World Use Cases: Connectivity with Tangible Impacts

Looking ahead, as digital demand shows no sign of slowing, the value of scalable satellite solutions becomes more pronounced. Viasat’s VSAT technology matches global urgency with reliable performance, bringing once-isolated areas into the digital fold.

Supporting Global Broadband Expansion

Driving Solutions to Bridge the Global Digital Divide

Viasat’s VSAT (Very Small Aperture Terminal) satellite services directly address the gap between connected and unconnected populations. According to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), around 2.7 billion people remained offline as of 2022. Viasat engineers its network architecture to reach regions where terrestrial infrastructure is economically or physically unviable. From the Andes to the Sub-Saharan plains, VSAT terminals provide high-speed internet access in locations that traditionally lacked consistent coverage.

The integration of advanced Ka-band satellites — such as those in the ViaSat-3 global constellation — enables scalable broadband access with megabit-per-second speeds. These capabilities translate into new education, health, and business opportunities for underserved communities across continents.

Alignment with Global Connectivity Goals

Viasat aligns closely with international digital initiatives such as the UN Broadband Commission’s 2030 targets, which aim for universal internet access at affordable rates. The company’s strategy supports Sustainable Development Goal 9: “Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation.”

Beyond strategic alignment, implementation is tangible. Programs linking schools in Latin America, refugee camps in the Middle East, and rural health clinics in Africa all rely on Viasat’s satellite backbone. High-throughput technology in orbit enables these institutions to stay connected without fiber-optic dependencies.

Partnership-Driven Expansion Model

Viasat doesn’t operate in isolation. Expansion efforts unfold through coordinated partnerships across sectors and geographies. The company has worked with entities such as:

This network of collaborators provides the local insight and logistical effectiveness required to scale satellite services across complex terrains and regulatory landscapes.

Breaking Isolation: Empowering Remote and Rural Area Connectivity

Bridging the Digital Divide in the World's Most Isolated Regions

Remote and rural communities frequently face severe connectivity constraints due to geography, low population density, and limited infrastructure investment. Traditional fiber and cellular networks rarely extend to these areas, where rugged terrain or long distances render terrestrial solutions economically unviable. According to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), as of 2023, about 2.6 billion people globally remain unconnected—many of them in rural or isolated locations.

In regions like sub-Saharan Africa, interior South America, and parts of Central Asia, the lack of high-speed internet limits access to critical services—healthcare, education, economic participation, and government outreach. This systemic disconnect reinforces cycles of poverty and exclusion, making scalable satellite connectivity the only practical solution.

How Viasat's VSAT Technology Unlocks Access

Viasat's Very Small Aperture Terminals (VSATs) provide reliable two-way satellite communications through compact ground stations. Unlike traditional satellite dishes used only for reception, these terminals transmit and receive data—enabling full internet capability in place.

These advantages make Viasat’s satellite platform indispensable in delivering scalable connectivity to locations previously unreachable by conventional internet infrastructure.

Real-World Impact: Connected Lives and Transformed Communities

In northern Kenya, home to nomadic communities and vast arid landscapes, Viasat-enabled internet access has fundamentally changed how clinics operate. A project with local health authorities equipped mobile health units with VSAT connectivity, enabling patient data uploads in real time and live remote consultations with physicians in Nairobi. Health outcomes improved with quicker diagnostic support and consistent health record tracking.

In southern California’s mountain towns, school districts deployed Viasat antennas to provide students with access to digital learning platforms during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Without the need for buried fiber or cellular towers—which often failed during seasonal wildfires—students stayed connected through satellite-powered Wi-Fi hubs installed at libraries and community centers.

Look to rural Colombia for another success story. Coffee farmers in Caldas used Viasat connections to access real-time market data, weather forecasts, and agricultural best practices—tools that once required unreliable bus rides to city centers. The result? Higher crop yields and smarter distribution strategies.

Each deployment—whether in equatorial forests, desert plains, snowy mountain villages, or dense agricultural zones—demonstrates the same pattern: Viasat’s VSAT terminals don’t just deliver internet, they unlock opportunity. They change what’s possible in places most other networks refuse to reach.

Maritime and Aviation Communications Reimagined

Satellite Services Tailored for Ships and Aircraft

Viasat’s VSAT network portfolio integrates high-throughput satellite (HTS) systems with purpose-built terminals to support mobile connectivity across sea and sky. Tailored solutions ensure seamless coverage even in contested environments such as mid-ocean transit or high-latitude air corridors.

On vessels, Viasat enables broadband-grade internet at sea — not only for crew welfare but also for digital vessel operations. Advanced antennas and modems designed for dynamic maritime conditions maintain persistent links even while navigating equatorial storms or Arctic waters. In aviation, the system architecture mirrors performance expectations on land, delivering streaming-grade speeds to commercial, cargo, and business aircraft worldwide.

Always-On Connectivity for Fleets in Motion

Airlines and maritime companies gain a competitive edge with uninterrupted service, which supports everything from real-time telemetry and predictive maintenance to enhanced passenger experiences. Low-latency paths over Ka-band satellites allow applications like video conferencing, VoIP, and live data offloading to function without disruption.

Strategic Alliances Powering Global Reach

Viasat’s collaboration strategy directly impacts its footprint in the sky and at sea. The acquisition of Inmarsat in 2023 expanded maritime assets with the GX network, merging Viasat’s Ka-band infrastructure with Inmarsat’s L-band resilience. This multiband synergy delivers hybrid connectivity options and creates an orbital path diversity few competitors offer.

In commercial aviation, Viasat holds connectivity contracts with major airlines such as Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, JetBlue, and American Airlines. By integrating Viasat terminals on new aircraft, carriers modernize their onboard experience while maintaining link reliability through dual satellite handoffs across continents.

In maritime, partnerships with global fleet operators and platform integrators — including support for merchant vessels, cruise liners, and offshore rigs — expand Viasat’s presence across commercial and industrial marine routes. Connectivity packages align with user demand, vessel bandwidth profiles, and operating zones, ensuring scalable solutions regardless of mission complexity.

Scaling Through Satellite Fleet Enhancement

Advancing the Viasat-3 Constellation

Viasat is redefining the limits of its satellite fleet through the development and deployment of the Viasat-3 global constellation. Each of the three satellites in this series—targeting the Americas, EMEA (Europe, Middle East, and Africa), and APAC (Asia-Pacific)—is engineered to deliver over 1 Terabit per second (Tbps) of total network capacity. This level of throughput multiplies Viasat’s current bandwidth capabilities by several factors, situating the company as one of the leading high-capacity satellite operators in the world.

The first of the series, Viasat-3 Americas, launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket in 2023. Once operational, this Ka-band satellite is projected to drastically increase bandwidth availability across the Western Hemisphere. The remaining two—EMEA and APAC—are scheduled to follow, building upon the same architectural framework with fine-tuned regional configurations.

Realizing Global Coverage and Resilience

By expanding its fleet with these ultra-high-capacity satellites, Viasat will achieve near-global coverage across land, sea, and air. Continuous coverage, especially in underserved or previously unreachable zones, will be attainable without significant latency degradation thanks to the geostationary orbit design.

This global footprint translates into:

Pushing Technical Boundaries

The Viasat-3 program marks a series of engineering firsts. One standout innovation includes the integration of fully reconfigurable digital payloads, allowing operators to dynamically allocate bandwidth based on real-time usage requirements. This flexibility ensures that markets experiencing unexpected demand surges—during large-scale events or natural disasters—can receive boosted capacity on short notice.

Additionally, each satellite incorporates multiple hundred Gbps optical interlinks. This internal backbone enables high-speed data transfer within the satellite payload, streamlining operations and minimizing latency. Combined with advanced ground infrastructure enhancements, these satellites will support next-generation applications including real-time high-definition video streaming, advanced telemetry services, and satellite-backed 5G infrastructure.

With continued investment in launch partnerships, digital payload technologies, and global ground station expansion, Viasat positions itself to meet surging global demand for broadband, while adding critical resilience and scalability to its VSAT-powered network.

Powering the Internet of Things (IoT) via VSAT Connectivity

Satellite Connectivity Laying the Groundwork for Global IoT Networks

The Internet of Things (IoT) depends on uninterrupted, scalable connectivity—which is precisely what Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) networks deliver. With global coverage and the ability to reach remote regions where terrestrial coverage doesn’t exist, Viasat’s expanding satellite infrastructure plays a critical role in enabling real-time data transmission between billions of connected devices worldwide.

Unlike fiber or cellular networks that are geographically constrained, VSAT connections bypass physical limitations. This allows IoT ecosystems to operate in deserts, oceans, mountain ranges, and isolated industrial sites. With Viasat’s satellite footprint, coverage reaches operations beyond the reach of traditional networks, enabling persistent machine-to-machine communication where landlines or base stations aren’t feasible.

Transformational Impact Across Industries

IoT Integration at Scale with Viasat’s Platform

Viasat’s VSAT solutions don’t just provide connectivity—they enable full-stack IoT deployments. Businesses gain access to a platform engineered for seamless device onboarding, bandwidth management, and secured channel encryption. Device-level telemetry can be managed across multiple geographies, while edge-computing capabilities minimize satellite bandwidth use by filtering data before transmission.

Network orchestration tools allow businesses to oversee thousands of distributed IoT nodes without local IT support. APIs and custom integrations further streamline deployment workflows. Whether launching a smart irrigation network across sub-Saharan Africa or monitoring volcanic activity in the Pacific, Viasat’s infrastructure removes the complexity of satellite-connected IoT integration.

Have you considered the scale at which your business could operate when connectivity barriers no longer exist?

Strategic Connectivity: Supporting Government and Defense Communications

Proven Performance in National Security Missions

Viasat has consistently delivered secure, high-throughput satellite communications (SATCOM) tailored for government and defense operations. Its solutions support data, voice, and video transmissions across multiple domains—land, sea, air, and space. The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), allied NATO forces, and intelligence agencies have deployed Viasat’s Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) technology in contested and austere environments. This includes real-time tactical communications, UAV operations, and forward-operating base connectivity.

From Special Operations Forces executing on-the-ground missions to high-level command centers requiring a continuous global link, these assets rely on Viasat’s ability to provide bandwidth-on-demand, situational awareness, and persistent encrypted connectivity.

Encryption and Network Redundancy as Battlefield Requirements

Defense-grade encryption isn’t optional—it’s foundational. Viasat-owned and operated networks incorporate end-to-end, multi-layered security protocols specifically engineered for classified data handling. Technologies include Type 1 encryption, anti-jam capabilities, and beamforming techniques to reduce signal interference.

In addition to encryption, redundancy is another non-negotiable. Viasat’s architecture uses geostationary and low-Earth orbit satellite links in tandem with terrestrial failovers to maintain uninterrupted communication. Hybridized VSAT infrastructures help defense agencies maintain line-of-sight and non-line-of-sight (NLOS) connectivity in active conflict and disaster response zones.

Securing Defense Partnerships and Global Alliances

Viasat maintains long-standing contracts with the U.S. Air Force, Navy, Army, and Marine Corps. Satellite terminals provided through the Viasat Link 16 Tactical Data Network play a central role in secure joint-allied operations. Classified applications extend to missile defense systems, ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance) platforms, and mobile command posts.

These service deployments are not theoretical. During Operation Inherent Resolve, for instance, Viasat provided encrypted broadband backhaul for forward base operations and airborne ISR assets. The results: accelerated decision-making and protected strategic information flow without loss or latency under combat conditions.

When evaluating satellite partners for national defense applications, governments prioritize scalability, classified-ready solutions, and operational resilience. Viasat delivers all three—in theater and in real time.

Accelerating Digital Infrastructure in Emerging Markets

Unlocking Growth in Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia

Emerging markets represent the fastest-growing demand for satellite internet and data services. According to the GSMA’s 2023 Mobile Economy report, Sub-Saharan Africa had 286 million mobile internet users in 2022, yet 59% of the population remained unconnected. Latin America followed a similar trend, where infrastructure gaps left over 200 million people in rural areas underserved. In Southeast Asia, internet penetration exceeds 70% in urban centers but drops sharply in remote provinces across countries like Indonesia, the Philippines, and Myanmar.

For Viasat, these gaps signal not only a challenge, but a commercial opportunity with long-term scalability. As economic growth persists in these regions, affordable, reliable, and scalable satellite connectivity becomes integral to supporting everything from financial inclusion to healthcare delivery and e-learning.

Strategic Partnerships with Local Telecom Operators

Local partnerships form the backbone of Viasat’s global expansion strategy. Instead of entering markets unilaterally, Viasat collaborates with national telecom providers and infrastructure operators to co-deploy services. In Brazil, Viasat's collaboration with Telebras has already enabled broadband services to over 1,000 public institutions via the SGDC-1 satellite. In Nigeria, joint efforts with MainOne and other regional ISPs are enhancing broadband reliability in peri-urban areas.

This model delivers three benefits simultaneously: fast market entry, localized customer support, and regulatory compliance through alignment with regional spectrum policies.

Investments and Policy Dialogue Driving Sustainable Infrastructure

Viasat doesn’t stop at service provision. The company is actively engaged in shaping telecommunications frameworks by partnering with governmental bodies and multilateral institutions. In Kenya and Ghana, Viasat supports policy development sessions focusing on satellite licensing frameworks and universal service goals. These dialogues aim to reduce bureaucratic friction and accelerate infrastructure deployment timelines.

On the investment front, Viasat allocates capital systematically to capacity-building. Recent allocations include ground infrastructure enhancements in Colombia and the procurement of new Ka-band coverage specifically designed for Southeast Asia. These forward-looking moves ensure high-throughput satellite support for next-generation services across education, health, agritech, and microfinance sectors.

What’s the result of combining these initiatives? Lower latency, higher bandwidth availability, and accelerated adoption of digital services across markets that were previously cut off from reliable internet access.

Shaping Tomorrow’s Connectivity: Viasat’s Vision for the Future of Satellite Services

Viasat’s expansion of its VSAT satellite services marks more than just scaling infrastructure—it signals a deliberate effort to redefine how connectivity reaches across geographies, industries, and technologies. From launching next-generation satellites to deepening interoperability across networks, the company builds a more agile and responsive satellite ecosystem.

The result is a platform that supports mission-critical communications, fuels digital transformation across sectors, and meets surging bandwidth demand without pause. Underpinning these developments is an innovation pipeline that continuously evolves, ensuring that service capabilities match or exceed the pace of market needs. As more devices, users, and applications depend on seamless broadband—whether at sea, in the sky, or deep in underserved terrains—Viasat positions itself as a hinge point in bridging global connectivity gaps.

An Ecosystem Driven by Technology, Partnerships, and People

Instead of acting as a standalone operator, Viasat operates within a collaborative architecture. Its satellite services are shaped not merely by in-house engineering, but through tight integration with governments, enterprise clients, and technology partners. This multi-actor ecosystem influences satellite design, software-defined networking, ground station development, and delivery models.

These pillars don’t work in isolation—they interlace. For example, real-time user feedback influences payload design in upcoming satellite launches, while insights from logistics providers inform the optimization of bandwidth allocation across moving assets.

Where Will You Connect Next?

Viasat enables more than just access—it unlocks local economies, fuel-efficient transportation systems, resilient emergency response frameworks, and off-grid educational initiatives. The endpoint is not just bandwidth; it's transformation. Whether you're a public sector strategist, a regional ISP in expansion mode, or a logistics firm seeking to connect entire fleets, Viasat integrates seamlessly into your operational fabric.

Look past the hardware and data streams—what shifts is the level of control and opportunity that comes with high-performance satellite connectivity. So the question becomes not if, but where will you connect next, and how will you grow through it? Engage with Viasat, and take the next leap into signal-strong futures.