Overview
Viasat, headquartered in Carlsbad, California, is a geostationary orbit (GEO) broadband operator that has pivoted from residential internet to a diversified communications company serving aviation, maritime, government, and defence customers. The 2023 acquisition of Inmarsat — the historic maritime satellite operator — transformed Viasat into one of the world's largest commercial satellite operators with a combined fleet of 19 GEO satellites and the ViaSat-3 ultra-high-capacity constellation under deployment.
ViaSat-3 Constellation
The ViaSat-3 programme is Viasat's next-generation GEO system, with each satellite delivering over 1 terabit per second (Tbps) of total capacity — among the highest-capacity satellites ever built. Three ViaSat-3 satellites are planned to provide near-global coverage: ViaSat-3 Americas (launched 2023), ViaSat-3 EMEA, and ViaSat-3 Asia-Pacific. However, the first satellite experienced a deployment anomaly with its reflector antenna that has limited its capacity, delaying Viasat's plans to compete with Starlink and OneWeb for broadband market share.
In-Flight Connectivity
Viasat is a leading provider of in-flight Wi-Fi for commercial airlines, with installations on aircraft operated by United Airlines, American Airlines, JetBlue, and international carriers. Through the Inmarsat acquisition, Viasat now also operates the GX Aviation system and the Classic Aero safety service used by most of the world's long-haul fleet. Aviation connectivity is Viasat's fastest-growing segment and positions it as the leading satellite-based airline connectivity provider.
Inmarsat Acquisition
Viasat completed its acquisition of Inmarsat in May 2023 for approximately $7.3 billion. Inmarsat, founded in 1979 as the International Maritime Satellite Organization, operates a fleet of GEO satellites providing L-band safety and broadband services to the maritime, aviation, and government sectors. The combined Viasat-Inmarsat entity operates 19 GEO satellites and serves customers across every ocean and continent. The merger gave Viasat Inmarsat's critical L-band spectrum rights and its role in the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS).
Government & Defence
Viasat is a significant provider of secure communications to the US and allied military forces. Its Link 16 tactical data link systems are deployed across NATO air forces, and the company provides encrypted satellite broadband to deployed forces via its GEO fleet. Government and defence revenue represents approximately 30% of Viasat's total business and provides a stable, high-margin revenue base that supports the company's capital-intensive satellite investments.
Competitive Position
Viasat faces intense competition from Starlink in residential broadband — a market Viasat is largely ceding as LEO mega-constellations offer superior speeds and latency. The company's strategy centres on aviation (where it leads), maritime (via Inmarsat), government/defence, and community broadband in underserved markets. Viasat competes with SES, Intelsat, and OneWeb for enterprise connectivity, while Amazon Leo represents a future threat in aviation and maritime.