Viasat offers Ka-band connectivity in Brazil


Viasat has expanded its Ka-band coverage across Brazil to cover more than 90% of the most-travelled flight routes. The increased capacity will enable passengers onboard aircraft to remain connected at speeds typically greater than 20 Mbps from take-off to landing. Capabilities include video, music and TV streaming, video calls, VPN and more.

In Brazil, Viasat’s IFC (in-flight connectivity) system will use the company’s Ka-band partner satellite, SGDC-1 (Geostationary Satellite for Defense and Strategic Communications), owned by Brazilian state-owned telecommunications services provider Telebras.

Additionally, Viasat aims to provide expanded coverage across parts of Europe and the Middle East on the Avanti Communication Group’s HYLAS-4 and HYLAS-2 satellites.

“We’re excited to bring additional coverage for our advanced in-flight connectivity solution to the business aviation markets in Brazil and, in the near future, Europe and the Middle East,” said Claudio D’Amico, business area director, Business Aviation.

Viasat’s Ka-band was recently approved for use on the Bombardier Challenger 300 and 350 by the FAA and EASA.

D’Amico continued: “This coverage expansion will enable us to extend connectivity for existing operators and pursue new business in these important regions.”

Research by Viasat shows that email communications was the top use of in-flight WiFi on private jets. Following that was web browsing or social media.

  
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