[Satellite TODAY Insider 02-10-11] ViaSat’s satellite services contributed revenues of $59.3 million in the 200 third quarter, representing a 383.3 percent increase that was primarily attributable to its subsidiary WildBlue as well as growth in mobile broadband services, the company announced in its latest financial results issued Feb. 8.
    The operator said it received $54.9 million in satellite service contract awards during the quarter, adding to its year-to-date contract award total of $576.7 million and revenues of $585.8 million.
    The surge in satellite services, along with increased sales of next-generation broadband equipment and satellite networking technology development programs, helped ViaSat offset a 29 percent decrease in is commercial networks segment revenues at $39.0 million. The operator said that decrease was primarily due to lower sales of consumer broadband products, as ViaSat no longer recognizes equipment sales to WildBlue following its acquisition of the company in December 2009. Revenues were also lower due to reduced enterprise VSAT networks products and services.
    Higher sales of government satellite communication systems helped ViaSat Government Systems post quarterly revenues of $97.6 million – a 9.5 percent increase from the same period last year.
    ViaSat CEO Mark Dankberg said that while company’s order momentum in the second half of its fiscal year appears very strong, it might be, “skewed into the fourth quarter. For example, bookings highlights in the fourth already include a new BFT-2 award for over $70 million for additional terminals and associated services, bringing the total received to date to over $120 million.  It’s a compelling endorsement of progress to date and the benefits of the new network. This and other anticipated new orders, coupled with the launch of Ka-Sat this past December, and ViaSat-1 planned for summer 2011, create good opportunities for continued growth as we prepare for next fiscal year."

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