CARLSBAD, Calif. and NANAIMO, B.C., August 28, 2023 – Viasat, Inc. (NASDAQ: VSAT), a global communications company, and Hullo by the Vancouver Island Ferry Company, today announced they have partnered to offer fast passenger connectivity aboard Hullo’s two new high-speed ferries, Spuhéls and Sthuqi’, which have recently entered service connecting passengers between Downtown Vancouver and Downtown Nanaimo.
Offering full streaming Wi-Fi on a passenger ferry is uncommon and further differentiates Hullo’s premium onboard experience from other ferry services. From streaming sports, TV shows, and movies to catching up on work or web browsing with full internet, the service will enable passengers to stay connected during the 70-minute journey between Vancouver and Nanaimo, much of which is out of range of a cellular connection.
To commemorate the beginning of Hullo’s passenger service, and for a limited time, all travelers aboard Hullo’s new ferries will receive complimentary, premium Wi-Fi while sailing. “We take considerable pride in the guest experience we are creating aboard the new Hullo service,” said Alastair Caddick, CEO of Hullo. “And that undoubtedly includes providing an ‘at-home-like’ Wi-Fi connection with our partners at Viasat. We know how important connectivity is to our guests so they can work, browse, and socialize reliably like they can nearly anywhere else.” said Alastair Caddick, CEO of Hullo.
The ferries are set up to connect to Viasat’s Ka-band satellite network, which has been designed to provide a high-quality connection in hard-to-reach and remote areas. Well-known for providing fast and reliable in-flight connectivity to several major commercial airlines, Viasat has designed a network that will deliver consistent, high-speed internet to each connected device on board.
“Hullo’s service launch marks a welcome disruption to the expectations of connectivity on a passenger ferry service,” said Shameem Hashmi, VP of Global Markets at Viasat. “Viasat’s service is designed to allow Hullo’s passengers to do whatever they want or need to do on a connected device, including streaming; it’s that simple.”
For more information about Hullo’s service, visit: https://hullo.com/
To learn more about Viasat’s Maritime services, visit: https://www.viasat.com/enterprise-and-mobility/industries/maritime/
About Viasat
Viasat is a global communications company that believes everyone and everything in the world can be connected. With offices in 24 countries around the world, our mission shapes how consumers, businesses, governments and militaries around the world communicate and connect. Viasat is developing the ultimate global communications network to power high-quality, reliable, secure, affordable, fast connections to positively impact people’s lives anywhere they are—on the ground, in the air or at sea, while building a sustainable future in space. On May 30, 2023, Viasat completed its acquisition of Inmarsat, combining the teams, technologies and resources of the two companies to create a new global communications partner. Learn more at www.viasat.com, the Viasat News Room or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter or YouTube.
About the Vancouver Island Ferry Company (VIFC) and Hullo
Proudly headquartered in Nanaimo, BC, the Vancouver Island Ferry Company (VIFC) is a modern Canadian ferry company transforming how we travel in BC. Through its service brand, Hullo, VIFC will set a new standard for guests’ travel experience across the Georgia Strait with reliability, convenience, and enjoyability at the forefront of operations. For more information on Hullo, visit www.hullo.com.
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 related to the introduction of Viasat’s connectivity service on Hullo’s ferries; and the availability, capabilities, benefits and performance of the Viasat maritime connectivity system. Readers are cautioned that actual results could differ materially and adversely from those expressed in any forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ include: risks associated with the construction, launch and operation of the satellite(s) used to supply these services, including the effect of any anomaly, operational failure or degradation in satellite performance; contractual problems; product defects; manufacturing issues or delays; regulatory issues; changes in relationships with, or the financial condition of, key suppliers; technologies not being developed according to anticipated schedules, or that do not perform according to expectations; and other factors affecting the maritime sector generally. 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.
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