Viasat
Global satellite communications company providing broadband, mobility, secure networking, defense systems, and satellite communications equipment.
Last updated November 4, 2026
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Overview
Viasat, Inc. is a United States-based satellite communications and defense technology company headquartered in Carlsbad, California. Founded in 1986 by Mark Dankberg, Mark Miller, and Steve Hart, the company began as a specialist supplier of satellite communications equipment, particularly for defense and government customers. Over time, it expanded into commercial satellite networking, broadband access, aviation connectivity, maritime communications, enterprise connectivity, mobile satellite services, cybersecurity, encryption, and space systems. The company became publicly traded in December 1996 and initially built its reputation through advanced modems, terminals, antennas, signal-processing technologies, and secure communications systems. Acquisitions during the 2000–2002 period, including the satellite networking business of Scientific-Atlanta, Comsat Laboratories-related terminal operations, and US Monolithics, broadened its commercial communications capabilities. Viasat later purchased defense and technology businesses such as Enerdyne, JAST Antenna Systems, Stonewood Group, NetNearU, Gray Labs, Arconics, and other specialist companies, using acquisitions to add encryption, aviation software, cloud networking, antennas, cybersecurity, and intelligence-related technologies. A major strategic shift occurred when Viasat moved from being primarily a communications-equipment supplier into satellite network ownership and broadband service operations. In 2009, it acquired WildBlue Communications, an established residential satellite internet provider, for approximately $568 million in cash and stock. The acquisition gave Viasat a consumer broadband platform and helped prepare the company for the launch of ViaSat-1, a high-capacity Ka-band satellite that entered service in 2012. Viasat marketed the resulting residential service first as Exede and later under the Viasat Internet name. ViaSat-2, launched in 2017, expanded the system's geographic coverage and capacity. Viasat's largest corporate transformation came through its acquisition of Inmarsat, completed in May 2023 after regulatory, competition, and national-security reviews in multiple jurisdictions. The transaction added Inmarsat's global L-band and Ka-band satellite networks, maritime and aviation franchises, enterprise connectivity services, safety communications, and international operating footprint. The combined company now operates a multi-orbit and multi-band communications platform using Ka-, L-, and S-band assets, partner satellite capacity, terrestrial networks, and, in selected services, low-Earth-orbit connectivity. The business is organized principally into Communication Services and Defense and Advanced Technologies. Communication Services covers commercial aviation connectivity, maritime communications, fixed and enterprise broadband, government satellite communications, mobile satellite services, Internet of Things connectivity, voice and push-to-talk services, and related terminals and network equipment. Defense and Advanced Technologies develops secure communications, encryption, cyber defense, tactical networking, space and mission systems, satellite modems, antennas, payload technologies, and other products for military, government, and commercial users. Viasat sold its Link 16 Tactical Data Links business to L3Harris in January 2023, concentrating its defense portfolio on other secure networking and advanced communications capabilities. The company's satellite strategy centers on the ViaSat-3 constellation, a series of high-throughput Ka-band geostationary satellites designed to provide very large capacity, broad geographic coverage, and dynamic allocation of bandwidth. ViaSat-3 Americas entered service in 2024 after in-orbit testing. Later ViaSat-3 flights were intended to extend capacity to other global regions. Viasat also operates or uses Inmarsat assets and partner networks to provide resilient mobile, maritime, aviation, enterprise, and…
History
Viasat was established in May 1986 in Carlsbad, California, by Mark Dankberg, Mark Miller, and Steve Hart, three engineers who had previously worked at Linkabit, a satellite communications technology company. The founders initially focused on communications equipment for defense and government users. Their early business was built around satellite modems, networking systems, signal-processing technologies, and related hardware rather than ownership of a large satellite fleet. The company became publicly traded in December 1996 through an initial public offering on Nasdaq under the symbol VSAT. During the late 1990s and early 2000s, Viasat expanded its commercial technology base through acquisitions. The purchase of Scientific-Atlanta's satellite networking business in 2000 gave Viasat greater exposure to interactive satellite services and commercial networking. Other acquisitions and technology investments added terminal operations, semiconductor capabilities, antennas, encryption, tactical communications, and defense-related products. Viasat also established TrellisWare Technology as a separate communications technology venture in 2000. Viasat's transition into satellite services accelerated during the 2000s. WildBlue Communications launched consumer satellite broadband service in North America using Ka-band capacity and later deployed the WildBlue-1 satellite. Viasat acquired WildBlue in December 2009 for approximately $568 million in cash and stock. The purchase provided Viasat with an established residential customer base, a satellite broadband brand, and operational experience in consumer connectivity. The company subsequently developed ViaSat-1, a high-capacity Ka-band satellite designed to deliver faster broadband service than earlier consumer satellite systems. The satellite launched in October 2011, and its associated broadband service began commercial operation in 2012 under the Exede name. Viasat continued expanding its technology and geographic footprint through acquisitions and facilities. Enerdyne added defense video-data-link capabilities; JAST Antenna Systems contributed microwave and antenna expertise; Stonewood Group strengthened encryption capabilities; and NetNearU added cloud-based network management software. Later purchases such as LonoCloud, Gray Labs, Arconics, Engreen, and EAI Design Services expanded Viasat's cloud networking, intelligence and surveillance communications, aviation software, network virtualization, and semiconductor design capabilities. Viasat also opened or expanded engineering and manufacturing operations in locations including Georgia, Arizona, Texas, India, and Ireland. The company developed ViaSat-2 to extend the capacity and geographic reach of its broadband system. ViaSat-2 launched in June 2017 and supported a broader service footprint across North America, Central America, the Caribbean, parts of Europe, and other regions. During this period, the Exede brand was gradually replaced by Viasat Internet, aligning consumer broadband with the corporate name. Viasat also expanded into commercial aviation, enterprise communications, maritime services, and government satellite communications. In 2021, Viasat announced an agreement to acquire Inmarsat, the British satellite operator known for global mobile satellite services, maritime communications, aviation connectivity, safety services, and enterprise networks. The proposed combination underwent competition and national-security review in several jurisdictions. Before closing the transaction, Viasat sold its Link 16 Tactical Data Links business to L3Harris for approximately $1.96 billion. The divestiture addressed regulatory considerations and allowed Viasat to focus its defense portfolio on other secure networking, cyber, space, and communications technologies. Viasat completed the Inmarsat acquisition on May 30, 2023, with the transaction publicly announced as completed on May 31. The deal involved cash, Viasat shares, and the assumption of Inmarsat debt. It transformed Viasat into a larger international satellite communications group with a substantial L-band fleet, Global Xpress Ka-band services, maritime and aviation franchises, safety communications, and a broader enterprise customer base. London became the combined company's international business headquarters. The ViaSat-3 program represented another major stage in Viasat's development. The constellation was designed as a set of very high-capacity Ka-band geostationary satellites capable of dynamically directing bandwidth across large coverage areas. ViaSat-3 Americas launched on a SpaceX Falcon Heavy in May 2023 and entered service in 2024 after in-orbit testing. Subsequent ViaSat-3 missions were intended to add capacity for other regions, while Viasat also continued developing GX-series satellites and Inmarsat-8 spacecraft. Following the Inmarsat integration, Viasat consolidated commercial offerings across aviation, maritime, enterprise, consumer, government, and mobile satellite markets. NexusWave, launched in 2024 by Inmarsat Maritime, combined multiple connectivity layers into a managed maritime network. Viasat also reorganized enterprise services into clearer solution families covering IoT, voice, push-to-talk, and mobile communications. In aviation, the company introduced AMARA as a multi-network, multi-orbit connectivity platform. In government markets, Viasat continued developing secure satellite communications, encryption, cyber defense, tactical networking, and space systems. Viasat's history also includes significant cybersecurity and geopolitical events. On February 24, 2022, a cyberattack disrupted parts of the KA-SAT network, affecting consumer broadband users in Ukraine and other European countries. The incident became one of the most visible examples of a satellite-network cyberattack associated with the Russia-Ukraine war. In 2025, Viasat was also identified as a victim of the China-linked Salt Typhoon cyberespionage campaign, although the company stated that it found no evidence of customer impact and had remediated the affected access. By 2026, Viasat operated as a global multi-orbit, multi-band communications company. Its business combined owned satellites, acquired Inmarsat assets, partner capacity, terrestrial connectivity, communications terminals, network management, cybersecurity, and defense technologies. The company continued to invest in the ViaSat-3 constellation, mobile satellite services, direct-to-device and non-terrestrial-network technologies, aviation connectivity, maritime managed services, enterprise IoT, and government communications.
- 2026
ViaSat-3 Flight 3 reaches launch site
[15]The third ViaSat-3 spacecraft arrived at Cape Canaveral ahead of an anticipated launch intended to add capacity over the Asia-Pacific region.
- 2025
Viasat AMARA introduced
[1]Viasat introduced AMARA, a multi-network and multi-orbit in-flight connectivity platform.
- 2025
ViaSat-3 Flight 2 prepared for launch
[14]The second ViaSat-3 spacecraft reached Cape Canaveral ahead of its planned launch and service deployment.
- 2024
ViaSat-3 Americas enters service
[1]ViaSat-3 Americas entered service after in-orbit testing, adding a new generation of Ka-band capacity.
- 2024
NexusWave launches
[8]Inmarsat Maritime launched NexusWave, a managed multi-network connectivity service for maritime customers.
- 2023
Link 16 business sold to L3Harris
[9]Viasat completed the sale of its Link 16 Tactical Data Links business to L3Harris, refocusing its defense portfolio.
- 2023
Inmarsat acquisition completed
[3]Viasat completed its acquisition of Inmarsat on May 30, creating a broader global satellite communications group.
- 2023
ViaSat-3 Americas launched
[4]The first ViaSat-3 satellite launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon Heavy and began the deployment of Viasat's next-generation high-capacity constellation.
- 2022
KA-SAT cyberattack
[5]A cyberattack disrupted portions of the KA-SAT satellite broadband network on February 24, affecting users in Ukraine and Europe.
- 2021
Inmarsat acquisition agreement announced
[13]Viasat announced an agreement to acquire Inmarsat, initiating a multijurisdictional review process.
Products and positioning
A vertically integrated global satellite communications provider combining owned and partner satellite capacity, multi-orbit connectivity, managed network services, communications equipment, cybersecurity, and defense technologies.
Consumer satellite broadband · 2012
Viasat Internet
Viasat Internet is the company's consumer satellite broadband service, primarily serving locations where terrestrial broadband is limited or unavailable. It evolved from the Exede service launched with ViaSat-1 capacity. The service has used Viasat's high-throughput Ka-band satellites and supporting ground infrastructure to provide residential internet access across underserved areas, particularly in the United States.
Geostationary satellite constellation · 2023
ViaSat-3
ViaSat-3 is Viasat's next-generation high-capacity Ka-band satellite program. Each spacecraft is designed to provide very large throughput, broad regional coverage, and flexible beam-forming that can shift capacity according to changing demand. The constellation supports consumer broadband, aviation, maritime, enterprise, and government services. ViaSat-3 Americas entered service in 2024, with additional spacecraft intended to extend global coverage.
Aviation connectivity
Viasat In-Flight Connectivity
Viasat's aviation portfolio provides passenger Wi-Fi, airline operational connectivity, business aviation communications, and supporting network and antenna systems. The offering uses Viasat and partner satellite capacity and is designed for service continuity across aircraft routes. Following the Inmarsat acquisition, the aviation business also benefits from complementary narrowband and global mobile satellite capabilities.
Maritime connectivity · 2024
NexusWave
NexusWave is a managed maritime connectivity service introduced by Inmarsat Maritime after its integration into Viasat. It bonds multiple connectivity layers, including Global Xpress Ka-band, low-Earth-orbit services, coastal LTE where available, and L-band resilience. The service is designed to deliver global coverage, high speeds, managed performance, security features, and predictable connectivity for commercial vessels.
Global Ka-band satellite service
Global Xpress
Global Xpress is the Inmarsat-originated global Ka-band satellite communications service operated within Viasat's broader network portfolio. It supports maritime, aviation, government, enterprise, and other mobility customers requiring high-throughput connectivity across international routes and remote operating environments.
Enterprise satellite communications
Viasat Enterprise
Viasat Enterprise provides connectivity and communications services for organizations operating in agriculture, energy, mining, utilities, transportation, logistics, and other remote or distributed industries. Its portfolio includes go-anywhere communications, IoT monitoring and control, voice, push-to-talk, and managed satellite connectivity.
Government and defense communications
Viasat Government
Viasat Government develops secure satellite communications, tactical networking, protected connectivity, encryption, cyber defense, and mission-support systems for military and government users. The business combines communications services with terminals, modems, antennas, information-security products, and space and mission technologies.
In-flight connectivity platform · 2025
Viasat AMARA
AMARA is a next-generation aviation connectivity platform designed to use multiple networks and satellite orbits to improve flexibility, coverage, and service performance for airline and mobility customers. It represents Viasat's effort to integrate its post-Inmarsat assets with newer multi-orbit capabilities.
Mobile satellite and IoT communications
Viasat narrowband services
Viasat's narrowband portfolio, substantially strengthened by Inmarsat's L-band network, supports safety communications, voice, push-to-talk, asset monitoring, machine-to-machine connectivity, and Internet of Things applications. These services are designed for low-bandwidth, high-reliability use cases where coverage and operational continuity matter more than raw throughput.
Cybersecurity and information security
Viasat encryption and cyber defense systems
Viasat develops encryption devices, secure networking products, cyber defense systems, and information-security technologies for government and commercial customers. These products protect data and communications across satellite, tactical, terrestrial, and mission systems and form a major part of the Defense and Advanced Technologies business.
Controversies
2025
Salt Typhoon cyberespionage incident
In 2025, Viasat was identified as one of the victims of the China-linked Salt Typhoon cyberespionage campaign. Viasat stated that an investigation found unauthorized access through a compromised device, but no evidence that customers were affected. The company reported that it remediated the intrusion and did not detect subsequent related activity.
2022
KA-SAT network cyberattack
On February 24, 2022, a deliberate cyberattack disrupted part of the KA-SAT satellite broadband network operated by Viasat. The incident caused modem outages affecting users in Ukraine and other parts of Europe and became closely associated with the opening phase of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Viasat described the technical nature of the attack in an incident report, while European Union authorities later attributed the operation to Russia.
Marketing campaigns
- 2026Space for Good India Challenge
India
Viasat launched the 2026 India edition of its Space for Good challenge to encourage students and emerging innovators to develop space-based ideas addressing practical social or environmental needs.
Outcome. The program extended Viasat's international STEM and innovation activities in India.
- 2021Viasat Space for Good
United States · United Kingdom · India
Space for Good is Viasat's education and social-impact initiative supporting student innovation, STEM learning, and space-related problem solving. The program uses challenges and competitions to encourage young people to explore satellite communications, engineering, sustainability, and broader applications of space technology.
Outcome. The initiative expanded beyond its initial activities to include additional national programs and challenges in the United States, United Kingdom, India, and other markets.
Brand decisions
2024
Launch NexusWaveProduct launchBackground
Maritime customers increasingly required higher speeds, global availability, predictable performance, and resilience across different network environments.
Action taken
Inmarsat Maritime launched NexusWave as a managed, bonded service combining Ka-band, LEO, coastal LTE, and L-band connectivity layers.
Aftermath
NexusWave became a central growth offering in Viasat's maritime business and was adopted by shipping operators seeking integrated global connectivity.
2024
Unify enterprise product portfolioStrategyBackground
The Inmarsat acquisition left Viasat with overlapping and differently named enterprise products across legacy businesses.
Action taken
Viasat reorganized sixteen legacy Viasat and Inmarsat enterprise services into solution families organized around IoT, voice, push-to-talk, and go-anywhere communications.
Aftermath
The restructuring was intended to simplify channel sales, clarify customer choices, and create a unified post-acquisition enterprise proposition.
2023
Sell Link 16 Tactical Data Links business to L3HarrisM&ABackground
The Link 16 business divestiture was undertaken while Viasat pursued the Inmarsat transaction and sought to concentrate its defense activities on other secure networking and advanced communications technologies.
Action taken
Viasat sold its Link 16 Tactical Data Links product line and network to L3Harris.
Aftermath
The transaction reduced Viasat's exposure to one defense product category while providing L3Harris with an established tactical data-link business.
Sale consideration. Approximately $1.96 billion (Completed January 3, 2023)
- L3Harris — L3Harris acquired the business and integrated the Link 16 product line into its defense portfolio.
2023
Launch ViaSat-3 AmericasProduct launchBackground
Viasat needed additional high-throughput capacity to support its broadband, aviation, maritime, enterprise, and government growth strategy.
Action taken
Viasat launched ViaSat-3 Americas aboard a SpaceX Falcon Heavy.
Aftermath
The mission began deployment of the ViaSat-3 constellation, with the satellite subsequently entering service over North America after in-orbit testing.
2021
Announce acquisition of InmarsatM&ABackground
Viasat wanted to expand its geographic footprint, mobile satellite portfolio, maritime and aviation businesses, and access to Inmarsat's L-band and Ka-band networks.
Action taken
Viasat announced an agreement to acquire Inmarsat, subject to competition, regulatory, and national-security approvals.
Aftermath
The transaction closed in May 2023 and transformed Viasat into a broader global satellite communications group with a substantially larger international customer and network base.
Transaction consideration. Approximately $550.7 million in cash, 46.36 million Viasat shares, and assumed Inmarsat debt (Transaction completed May 30, 2023)
2009
Acquire WildBlue CommunicationsM&ABackground
Viasat sought to move beyond communications equipment and establish a larger direct presence in residential satellite broadband.
Action taken
Viasat agreed to acquire WildBlue Communications through a combination of cash and stock.
Aftermath
The acquisition gave Viasat an established consumer broadband business and helped support the launch and commercialization of ViaSat-1 and the Exede service.
Purchase consideration. Approximately $568 million in cash and stock (2009)
Recent events
Viasat launches its first Real-Time Earth facility in Africa[17]
Reported:
Viasat announced the launch of its first Real-Time Earth facility in Africa, located in Accra, Ghana. The release states that the facility was opened in partnership with the Ghana Space Science and Technology Institute.
Viasat announces agreement to acquire Inmarsat[18]
Reported:
Viasat announced that it had entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Inmarsat; the release directs readers to a separate announcement on Viasat's Investor Relations website.
Viasat announces fiscal 2022 second-quarter results[18]
Reported:
Viasat announced its second-quarter fiscal year 2022 financial results in a letter to shareholders posted on its Investor Relations website.
Viasat launches Viasat Select in-flight connectivity service[19]
Reported:
Viasat launched Viasat Select, a direct and customizable Ka-band in-flight connectivity service for business aviation.
Antenna Group agrees to acquire Sony Pictures Television's CEE portfolio[20]
Reported:
Antenna Group agreed with Sony Pictures Television to acquire the CEE AXN, Sony and Viasat pay-TV channels and on-demand services across 12 territories.
Viasat completes acquisition of RigNet[21]
Reported:
Viasat announced that it had completed its previously announced acquisition of RigNet on April 30, 2021.
Viasat completes purchase of Euro Broadband Infrastructure[22]
Reported:
Viasat completed its purchase of Euro Broadband Infrastructure, acquiring Eutelsat’s remaining 51% share and gaining full ownership of the KA-SAT satellite and related ground infrastructure.
Viasat and Sky Brasil agree to distribute internet service in Brazil[23]
Reported:
Viasat reached a distribution agreement with Sky Brasil, under which Sky will sell, install, and provide on-site service for Viasat internet service in Brazil.
Viasat facilities receive two Cogswell Awards[24]
Reported:
Viasat announced that its Germantown, Maryland, and Marlborough, Massachusetts, facilities each received a 2021 James S. Cogswell Outstanding Industrial Security Achievement Award from the U.S. Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency.
Viasat announces agreement to acquire RigNet[25]
Reported:
Viasat announced a definitive agreement to acquire RigNet in an all-stock transaction valued at approximately $222 million. The transaction was expected to close by mid-calendar year 2021, subject to regulatory approvals and other customary conditions.
Showing the 10 most recent.
Sources36 sources
- 1Viasat historyviasat.com
- 2Viasat, Inc. Fiscal 2026 Form 10-Ksec.gov
- 3Viasat completes acquisition of Inmarsatviasat.com
- 4ViaSat-3 Americas successfully launchedviasat.com
- 5KA-SAT Network cyberattack overviewviasat.com
- 6CERT-EU Cyber Brief on Salt Typhooncert.europa.eu
- 7Viasat Enterprise product portfolioviasat.com
- 8NexusWave maritime connectivity launchinvestors.viasat.com
- 9Viasat (American company)en.wikipedia.org
- 10Initial public offeringinvestors.viasat.com
- 11ViaSat-1 launchesen.wikipedia.org
- 12ViaSat-2 launchesen.wikipedia.org
- 13Inmarsat acquisition agreement announcedviasat.com
- 14ViaSat-3 Flight 2 prepared for launchviasat.com
- 15ViaSat-3 Flight 3 reaches launch siteviasat.com
- 16Space for Good India Challengeviasat.com
- 17Viasat 在非洲启用首个实时地球站设施prnewswire.com
- 18Viasat宣布达成收购Inmarsat的协议prnewswire.com
- 19Viasat 推出 Viasat Select 机上连接服务satellitetoday.com
- 20Antenna Group 同意收购 Sony Pictures Television 的中东欧业务组合business-review.eu
- 21Viasat完成对RigNet的收购prnewswire.com
- 22Viasat完成收购Euro Broadband Infrastructureprnewswire.com
- 23Viasat 与 Sky Brasil 达成协议在巴西分销互联网服务satellitetoday.com
- 24Viasat设施获得两项Cogswell奖prnewswire.com
- 25Viasat宣布达成收购RigNet的协议lightreading.com
- 26Viasat KOR-24A STT 获得 NSA 认证satellitetoday.com
- 27Viasat在巴西推出住宅互联网服务prnewswire.com
- 28Viasat为4亿美元优先票据定价prnewswire.com
- 29Viasat 与 Honeywell 建立航空服务合作satellitetoday.com
- 30ViaSat与fuboTV合作提供机上流媒体服务sdbj.com
- 31fuboTV与Viasat合作提供机上流媒体分发nexttv.com
- 32EGNOS SBAS Host Acquired by Telecom Companyinsidegnss.com
- 33Inmarsat to be acquired by Viasatmarinelog.com
- 34Viasat announces $222m RigNet acquisition | Computer Weeklycomputerweekly.com
- 35Viasat Completes RigNet Acquisitionsatellitetoday.com
- 36Viasat Launches Residential Internet Service in Brazilsatellitetoday.com
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