ViaSat Tests 1 Mbps L-band Terminal Throughput Over LightSquared Satellite

Digital rendering of LightSquared’s SkyTerra 1 satellite. Photo: Lightsquared

[Via Satellite 10-09-2014] ViaSat has successfully demonstrated 1 Mbps throughput in L-band using a terminal measuring less than 8 by 5 by 2 inches. The test was facilitated over LightSquared’s SkyTerra 1 satellite in both fixed configurations and mobile applications at speeds up to 65mph.

The 1 Mbps data rate was reached by balancing power and bandwidth on SkyTerra 1. According to ViaSat, the improved service means more L-band applications due to faster downloads, enhanced broadcast and multicast services, and greater responsiveness. The company intends to continue working on the new waveform used with the high-performance L-band terminals.

“We’re designing our network waveform to adapt to the variable link conditions each terminal experiences as it operates in a mobile environment to maximize data reception,” said Phil Berry, VP of Mobile Satellite Services (MSS) at ViaSat.