Viasat Introduces Next-Generation Global Ka-band Network to Support Resilient Government SATCOM

Rhea-AI Summary

Viasat (NASDAQ: VSAT) announced a unified global Ka-band satellite network for government SATCOM that integrates Viasat Ka-band satellites, the Global Xpress fleet, and select partner satellites into a single interoperable system.

The evolved network supports MILSATCOM Ka-band interoperability, roaming across multi-orbit Ka-band satellites, and single upgraded terminal access with data rates up to 200 Mbps on a 45cm or equivalent antenna. It uses integrated waveforms, upgraded gateways, electronically and mechanically steered beams, and ViaSat-3 ultra-high-capacity satellites for added bandwidth and redundancy; ViaSat-3 F2 is launched for the Americas and ViaSat-3 F3 is planned for Asia-Pacific.

Positive

• Up to 200 Mbps with a 45cm or equivalent antenna
• Interoperable with MILSATCOM Ka-band networks
• Unified roaming across Viasat, Global Xpress, and partner Ka-band satellites
• ViaSat-3 ultra-high-capacity satellites add regional bandwidth and redundancy
• Single upgraded terminal model reduces need for multiple hardware solutions

Negative

• ViaSat-3 F3 is planned but not yet delivering Asia-Pacific coverage
• Government users require upgraded terminals/gateways to access the evolved network

Key Figures

Data rate up to 200 Mbps Ka-band government network connectivity with 45cm antenna

Antenna size 45 cm Antenna size referenced for achieving up to 200 Mbps data rates

Inmarsat acquisition year 2023 Global Xpress fleet became part of Viasat global fleet after acquisition

Market Reality Check

$35.36 Last Close

Volume Volume 1,529,627 is below 20-day average of 1,741,085 (relative volume 0.88). normal

Technical Price at 35.83 is trading above the 200-day MA of 21.1, indicating a pre-news uptrend.

Peers on Argus 1 Up

Most communication equipment peers were down pre-news: BDC -2.48%, COMM -5.17%, EXTR -2.17%, VIAV -7.69%, ONDS -2.64%. A momentum scanner only flagged LITE moving 4.83% up without related news, suggesting mixed sector signals and a more stock-specific backdrop for VSAT.

Historical Context

Date	Event	Sentiment	Move	Catalyst
Dec 11	Launch services deal	Positive	+2.6%	InRange rocket telemetry selected for INNOSPACE’s first Brazilian commercial launch.
Dec 03	Market demand report	Positive	+2.1%	Report showed strong global willingness to pay more for satellite mobile services.
Dec 01	Maritime network upgrade	Positive	-4.9%	NexusWave evolution with ViaSat-3 network to boost maritime bandwidth and coverage.
Nov 19	IFC customer win	Positive	-1.0%	Viasat Amara chosen to power high-speed in-flight Wi‑Fi on Azerbaijan Airlines fleet.
Nov 19	Board appointment	Neutral	-1.0%	Appointment of Barbara Frenkel to board, expanding independent director representation.

Pattern Detected

Recent positive service and capability announcements sometimes saw selling pressure, indicating occasional divergence between upbeat news and short-term price moves.

Recent Company History

Over the past month, Viasat issued several strategic updates. On Nov 19, it announced Azerbaijan Airlines adopting Viasat Amara in‑flight Wi‑Fi and separately added Barbara Frenkel to its board, with modest negative price reactions. On Dec 1, the NexusWave evolution with ViaSat‑3 drew a -4.89% move. A consumer D2D demand report on Dec 3 and an InRange rocket telemetry selection on Dec 11 both saw positive reactions. Today’s unified Ka‑band government network update continues the theme of expanding high-capacity, multi-domain connectivity.

Market Pulse Summary

This announcement detailed Viasat’s move to a unified global Ka-band network for government and military customers, integrating its own satellites, Global Xpress assets from the 2023 Inmarsat acquisition, and select partners. The network targets data rates up to 200 Mbps with a 45 cm antenna, interoperability with MILSATCOM, and multi-orbit resiliency. In context of recent launches and service expansions, investors may focus on adoption by government users, reliability in contested environments, and progress integrating ViaSat-3 capabilities.

Key Terms

ka-band technical

"Viasat’s unified Ka-band network will support high-speed, resilient multi-network connectivity"

Ka-band is a slice of the microwave radio spectrum (roughly 26.5–40 GHz) commonly used for satellite links and high-capacity wireless backhaul. Because it carries more data per second and lets antennas be smaller, it can enable faster internet and more channels, but its higher frequency is also more prone to signal loss in heavy rain or obstacles. Investors track Ka-band deployment and equipment costs because it affects a company’s ability to deliver high-speed services, coverage economics, and revenue potential.

satcom technical

"Viasat Inc. (NASDAQ: VSAT), a global leader in satellite communications (SATCOM), today announced"

Satcom, short for satellite communications, uses orbiting satellites as relay stations to send and receive voice, data and video between distant or hard-to-reach locations, effectively acting like cell towers in space. It matters to investors because satcom services support broadband, broadcasting, defense links and connected devices, often producing steady customer revenue but requiring large upfront costs, regulatory approvals and sensitivity to launch technology and spectrum access — all factors that influence company value.

milsatcom technical

"Fully interoperable with MILSATCOM Ka-band networks, this evolved Ka-band network capability"

Milsatcom means military satellite communications: the satellites, ground stations and terminals that provide secure voice, data and video links for defense forces. Think of it as a secure cellphone network in space that lets troops, ships and aircraft stay connected where regular networks do not reach. Investors care because milsatcom drives government contracts, steady long‑term revenue and strategic spending on resilient communications and encryption technology.

multi-orbit technical

"Viasat’s integrated Ka-band network is part of Viasat’s global, multi-orbit network roadmap"

A multi-orbit system or service uses spacecraft, satellites or missions that operate in more than one orbital zone around Earth (for example low, medium and geostationary altitudes) rather than staying in a single orbit. For investors, multi-orbit capability can mean broader markets, better reliability and more flexible revenue options—like a delivery company that can use bikes, vans and trucks to reach different neighborhoods and load sizes.

AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.

Viasat’s unified Ka-band network will support high-speed, resilient multi-network connectivity for multi-domain mission operations

CARLSBAD, Calif., Dec. 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Viasat Inc. (NASDAQ: VSAT), a global leader in satellite communications (SATCOM), today announced a significant evolution of its network for government customers by unifying Viasat Ka-band satellites, the Global Xpress satellite fleet, and select partner satellites into a fully integrated global Ka-band satellite communications network. Fully interoperable with MILSATCOM Ka-band networks, this evolved Ka-band network capability will provide seamless global, multi-orbit Ka-band connectivity for government and military users, offering increased performance, expanded coverage, and greater resiliency for missions across air, land, and sea.

Leveraging an integrated waveform, upgraded gateways and common ground architecture, Viasat’s expanded global Ka-band connectivity for government will enable customers to seamlessly roam between Ka-band satellite networks, including Viasat satellites, Global Xpress Ka-band satellites (part of Viasat’s global fleet following the acquisition of Inmarsat in 2023), and other commercial and government Ka-band satellites. Moving forward, government users operating across domains will be able to access this evolved Ka-band network through upgraded, single terminal solutions rather than needing multiple hardware solutions.

Viasat’s integrated Ka-band network will offer government users ubiquitous roaming and faster connectivity, with data rates up to 200 Mbps with a 45cm or equivalent antenna, and features electronically and mechanically steered beams that offer the flexibility to dynamically allocate bandwidth and deliver dedicated secure connectivity for mobile government platforms. The unified Ka-band network will incorporate the ultra-high-capacity ViaSat-3 satellites, each designed to move significant bandwidth to meet real-time demand in high-concentration areas. The recently launched ViaSat-3 F2 satellite will provide additional resilience for the Americas and the ViaSat-3 F3 satellite is planned to deliver coverage over the Asia-Pacific region.

"By unifying our Ka-band satellites into a single next-generation network, we are delivering the resilient, secure, and high-capacity connectivity that government missions demand around the world," said Victor Farah, Senior Vice President of Government Services and Solutions at Viasat. "This advancement reflects our commitment to providing trusted, user-centric communication services that give warfighters the global reach and information advantage they require in today’s increasingly contested environments."

Viasat’s global network is designed to support national security and mission operations in contested environments, including dedicated Mil-Ka access and specific features built in for increased resilience against threats attempting jamming, interference, and denial attacks to disrupt communications. Viasat’s integrated Ka-band network is part of Viasat’s global, multi-orbit network roadmap, helping Viasat further deliver resilient and secure connectivity with the flexibility to meet different customer and mission needs.

With abundant bandwidth capacity and redundant layers across the unified network, Viasat government satcom, part of Communication Services, offers customers scalable service models that enable multi-mission flexibility for entire military fleets, including dedicated beams that provide sovereign control and predictable performance.

Visit our website for more information about Viasat’s government satcom services.

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. In May 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 LinkedIn, X, Instagram, Facebook, Bluesky, Threads, and YouTube. 

Copyright © 2025 Viasat, Inc. All rights reserved. Viasat, the Viasat logo and the Viasat Signal are registered trademarks in the U.S. and in other countries of Viasat, Inc. All other product or company names mentioned are used for identification purposes only and may be trademarks of their respective owners.

Viasat, Inc. Contacts
Dan Bleier, Public Relations, Corporate and Government, +1 (202) 383-5074, daniel.bleier@viasat.com
Lisa Curran/Pete Lopez, Investor Relations, +1 (760) 476-2633, IR@viasat.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 about the services, features, benefits and performance of the Viasat integrated global Ka-band satellite network, and the coverage, flexibility and capacity of ViaSat-3 satellites. 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: our ability to realize the anticipated benefits of the Viasat global Ka-band network; risks associated with the construction, launch and operation of satellites, including the effect of any anomaly, operational failure or degradation in satellite performance; contractual problems, product defects, manufacturing issues or delays, regulatory issues, technologies not being developed according to anticipated schedules, or that do not perform according to expectations; and increased competition and other factors affecting the defense 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.

FAQ

What did Viasat (VSAT) announce on December 15, 2025 about Ka-band government SATCOM?

Viasat announced a unified global Ka-band network integrating its Ka satellites, Global Xpress, and partner satellites for interoperable government SATCOM.

How fast is Viasat's new Ka-band connectivity for government users (VSAT)?

The evolved network can deliver up to 200 Mbps using a 45cm or equivalent antenna.

Will Viasat's new Ka-band network work with MILSATCOM (VSAT)?

Yes — the network is described as fully interoperable with MILSATCOM Ka-band networks for seamless multi-orbit connectivity.

Which ViaSat-3 satellites support Viasat's unified Ka-band network and regions covered?

ViaSat-3 ultra-high-capacity satellites are included; ViaSat-3 F2 provides added resilience for the Americas and ViaSat-3 F3 is planned for Asia-Pacific.

Do government customers need new hardware to use Viasat's evolved Ka-band network (VSAT)?

Government users will access the network via upgraded, single terminal solutions rather than multiple different hardware units.

What resilience features does Viasat say the unified Ka-band network includes for government missions?

The network includes dedicated Mil-Ka access and features designed to increase resilience against jamming, interference, and denial attempts.