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Viasat Expands Relationship with Cobham Satcom for Maritime Antennas

By Mark Holmes | November 11, 2022

A rendering of the ViaSat-3 constellation. Photo: Viasat

Viasat has made a key move in the maritime market. It is furthering its relationship with Cobham Satcom to bring a new maritime connectivity system ahead of its slated launches of new ViaSat-3 satellites. The connectivity system, which will include a portfolio of antenna systems from Cobham Satcom, is being designed to deliver advanced, high-speed connectivity that will leverage capacity from the ViaSat-3 constellation. The two companies announced the deal Nov. 10.

The first of the Viasat-3 satellites is expected to launch early next year. In addition, the collaboration will include the introduction of an industry first upgrade kit, which will allow conversion of existing Ku- and other Ka-band services to Viasat services.

The companies are expanding upon a long-term successful relationship that dates to 2015, and more recently has targeted providing high-speed connectivity in the maritime industry. The companies have deployed satellite broadband internet on hundreds of vessels with Viasat’s existing Ka-band network and advanced Ka-band SAILOR user terminal.

“Each ViaSat-3 satellite will bring unparalleled high throughput to the market, and with Cobham Satcom’s portfolio of next generation user terminals and strong sales partner and after sales service network, we will collaborate closely to deliver a comprehensive end-to-end experience for yachting, commercial shipping, Cruise, and Oil & Gas customers,” Peter Kiær, senior vice president for Maritime at Cobham Satcom, said in a statement.