ViaSat celebrates first year anniversary of Exede Satellite Internet Service

ViaSat, a leading operator of pay television, recently marked Exede satellite Internet’s first year of service. Due to the high and consistent performance of Exede residential broadband service, it now has more than 285,000 subscribers on ViaSat-1 in its first year of operation.

The ViaSat-1 satellite, officially recognized as the highest capacity communications satellite in the world with a Guinness title, powers the Exede satellite Internet service. Revolutionizing the current trend in Internet options, Exede has already surpassed other ISPs in providing promised Internet speeds to subscribers. As proof, 90 percent of Exede subscribers are receiving 140 percent or better of the advertised 12Mbps speed during peak periods. Additionally, 40 percent of new Exede subscribers now prefer this satellite service over other alternatives, like cable, DSL and mobile wireless for fixed home use.

In a company statement, ViaSat chairman and CEO Mark Dankberg noted: “Our results prove that driving down the cost of bandwidth can make satellite a better choice than slower terrestrial alternatives. The market success of ViaSat-1 strengthens our commitment to delivering a series of new satellites that push the boundaries of what’s possible in satellite broadband across a broad range of market opportunities.”

Gilat awarded $12.8M to provide SkyEdge II-c, Aries VSAT to Peruvian schools

Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd., a leading provider of satellite networking technology, solutions and services, has won a three-year contract worth $12.8 million from the Peruvian Ministry of Education to supply SkyEdge II-c hub and ‘Aries’ VSAT equipment, installation, maintenance and technical support that will provide Internet connectivity to 2,600 schools in Peru as a way of lessening educational disparities.

In a statement, head of the Directorate General of Education Technologies Sandro Marcone Flores said that broadband-over-satellite is part of the essential component in the nation’s goal to provide access to computer technology to a growing number of Peruvian school children. They are also happy to have the strong track record of Gilat support Peru’s national initiative.

The SkyEdge II-c Aries built by Gilat is known as a compact high-throughput VSAT, designed to allow fast broadband services Fair Use Policy (FUP) while meeting cost efficiencies.

"This award complements the tens of thousands of schools around the world already supported by Gilat's VSATs," Gilat Peru and Colombia CEO Danny Fridman said. "We have been an active partner for the Peruvian government in several key communication initiatives in the country and we are proud to be part of improving the quality of education for Peruvian children."