European satellite operator Eutelsat has awarded contracts worth $2.5 million to ViaSat [Nasdaq: VSAT] for two broadband satellite networking systems and development of a future Ka-band system. The systems will enable Eutelsat to use its high-powered satellitesto offer a range of services at lower prices than with other VSAT systems.

Eutelsat has signed an agreement to deploy up to 10,000 ViaSat LinkStar broadband VSATs over the next two years. In addition, to begin consumer broadband service trials, Eutelsat will use ViaSat’s (Carlsbad, Calif.) new consumer/SOHO broadband system, called SurfBeam. The services are all slated to use Eutelsat’s new Hot Bird 6, launched in August, which features 28 Ku-band and 4 Ka-band transponders, as well as the rest of the Eutelsat fleet.