Viasat has launched Viasat Select, a direct service model for Ka-band inflight connectivity (IFC) in the business aviation market. The service includes custom IFC solutions and connectivity plans tailored to match operational profiles.
The service plans include global and regional unlimited plans that feature uncapped data paired with Viasat’s ‘No Speed Limit’ Ka-band IFC. The company credited its ability to offer uncapped data and no speed limits to its Ka-band satellite capacity. Viasat Select also offers entry-level service plans, including a sub-US$3k regional plan.
Viasat said the Viasat Select plans enable operators to take advantage of the company’s current cross-regional capacity and coverage to suit current and anticipated connectivity demands and come with the expectation that Viasat’s future global constellation, ViaSat-3, and forward-compatible IFC system, will accommodate increasing speed and data requirements.
“We’re launching Viasat Select at a time when there is incredible demand for inflight connectivity and just before we bring an immense amount of additional Ka-band capacity to market with our next-generation satellite constellation,” said Claudio D’Amico, business area director, business aviation. “Operators overwhelmingly told us that selecting products in the market with data and speed caps was a key challenge for inflight connectivity. With Viasat Select, we can eliminate those constraints by leveraging our capacity while offering unmatched economics since we manage the service from end-to-end.”
“With Viasat Select, operators with different connectivity requirements and aircraft operational profiles can chose a plan that will best match their needs,” continued D’Amico. “Every plan will offer the same performance and deliver our leading customer experience, care and support. With ViaSat-3 coverage and capacity augmentation scheduled for next year, we will further enhance our customers’ overall experience.”
The company said its Viasat Select Ka-band service plans offer similar connectivity in flight as passengers experience on the ground, typically with speeds greater than 20Mbps. Some operators with Viasat Ka-band IFC have reported speeds greater than 80Mbps. The company added that that level of connectivity allows all passengers to enjoy inflight applications such as video conferencing, streaming music, video and TV, corporate VPN access and more during all phases of flight, including taxi, takeoff and landing.
In addition to offering its new direct service, Viasat will continue to offer Ka-band service through its network of value-added resellers (VARs), ensuring operators have multiple options for procuring its IFC service and the ability to utilise additional services offered by the VARs.
Although there is no cap set on the speed delivered to a terminal, speeds may still be limited by terminal equipment capabilities, network and environmental conditions, and other factors.
