ViaSat Receives First Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for Its In-Cabin Distribution System
PORTLAND, Ore., Sept. 28, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- (APEX EXPO, Booth #451) -- ViaSat Inc. (NASDAQ: VSAT), a global broadband services and technology company, announced today it received its first Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) from the FAA for its in-cabin distribution system. This is the first of two significant STCs ViaSat expects to obtain with respect to in-flight entertainment and connectivity, with the second STC anticipated in Q1 2016 for its hybrid Ku/Ka-band antenna system. This certification squarely positions ViaSat both as a leading service provider and as a prime contractor in the in-flight entertainment and connectivity (IFEC) market.
The ViaSat in-cabin distribution system bridges the Company’s antenna system to the in-flight entertainment system in order to provide full internet connectivity with streaming capabilities to all passenger devices and complete distribution of broadcast TV over satellite to the onboard seatback display. The ViaSat system consists of a Network Access Unit (NAU), wireless access points inside the cabin and cabling to interface between the satellite terminal and the IFEC system. The system, deployed by ViaSat on Virgin America, provides both internet connectivity and broadcast TV across ViaSat’s Ka-band and hybrid Ka-/Ku-band terminals. The ViaSat in-cabin distribution system was designed to be universal and interface with different IFE systems.
“Receiving STC approval from the FAA sends a clear message to the industry - ViaSat is both a leading in-flight internet service provider and a world-class prime contractor for in-flight entertainment and connectivity,” said Don Buchman, vice president and general manager, Commercial Mobility Business at ViaSat. “We are an entertainment enabler, redefining how passengers experience the in-flight internet by giving them full-blown online entertainment streaming. With our in-flight entertainment service, FAA-approved certifications and enhanced passenger engagement portals, we are best positioned for growth in the multi-billion dollar IFEC market.”
Vertically-Integrated Network Support for Enhanced Passenger Engagement
By receiving STC approval, ViaSat can target direct opportunities as a prime IFEC contractor. With today’s announcement, the Company now offers a vertically-integrated network support system, inclusive of FAA certifications, passenger-facing internet access portals, an end-to-end in-flight communications system that extends from passengers’ personal devices to the world’s highest capacity satellite system, as well as flexible vertically-integrated business models that respond to shifts in airline and internet businesses. These offerings are backed by ViaSat’s in-flight internet system, which has won more industry awards in the past 12-months than any other comparable system. The ViaSat in-flight internet system is recognized for delivering an at-home internet experience, with the freedom to watch, stream content and shop directly on any connected device when in-flight at speeds that are typically 8 to 10 times faster than any other in-flight Wi-Fi system available on the market today.
For more information on ViaSat’s in-flight internet system or vertically-integrated network strategy, visit ViaSat online at: www.viasat.com, or visit the Company at APEX 2015 this week in Portland, Oregon (Booth #451).
About ViaSat
ViaSat, Inc. (NASDAQ: VSAT) keeps the world connected. As a global broadband services and technology company, ViaSat ensures consumers, businesses, governments and military personnel have communications access - anywhere - whether on the ground or in-flight. The Company’s innovations in designing highest-capacity satellites and secure ground infrastructure and terminal technologies coupled with its international network of managed Wi-Fi hotspots enable ViaSat to deliver a best available network that extends the reach and accessibility of broadband internet service, globally. For more information visit ViaSat at: www.viasat.com, or follow the Company on social media: Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements that are subject to the safe harbors created under the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Forward-looking statements include, among others, statements that refer to FAA approval of a STC, the design and development of an enhanced in-cabin in-flight entertainment and internet system, the performance, expected capacity, service, speeds, coverage and other features of dual-band Ku/Ka service on ViaSat’s Best Available Network, and the timing, cost, economics and other benefits associated therewith, and the dates of installation and rollout on Virgin America and the expected pricing by Virgin America. Readers are cautioned that actual results could differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ include: the ability to realize the anticipated benefits of the ViaSat-1 and ViaSat-2 satellites, unexpected expenses or delays related to satellite projects, the ability to successfully implement ViaSat’s business plan for broadband satellite services on ViaSat’s anticipated timeline or at all; risks associated with the construction, launch and operation of satellites used to supply these new services, including the effect of any anomaly, operational failure or degradation in satellite performance; negative audits by the U.S. government; turmoil in the global business environment and economic conditions; the ability to successfully develop, introduce and sell new technologies, products and services; reduced demand for products as a result of continued constraints on capital spending by customers; changes in relationships with, or the financial condition of, key customers or suppliers; reliance on a limited number of third parties to manufacture and supply ViaSat’s products; increased competition and other factors affecting the communications and defense industries generally; the effect of adverse regulatory changes on ViaSat’s ability to sell products and services; ViaSat’s level of indebtedness and ability to comply with applicable debt covenants; ViaSat’s involvement in litigation, including intellectual property claims and litigation to protect proprietary technology; and ViaSat’s dependence on a limited number of key employees. In addition, please refer to the risk factors contained in ViaSat’s SEC filings available at www.sec.gov, including ViaSat’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date on which they are made. ViaSat undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements for any reason.
Copyright © 2015 ViaSat, Inc. All rights reserved. All other product or company names mentioned are used for identification purposes only and may be trademarks of their respective owners. Exede is a registered trademark of ViaSat, Inc.
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SOURCE ViaSat, Inc.
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