Viasat seeks to cover India for IFC
September 3, 2024
By Chris Forrester
In–Flight Communications (IFC) is an increasingly important part of satellite operator’s revenue stream. The likes of Intelsat, SES, Eutelsat and Viasat are all competing to supply broadband communications to every passenger seat. Panasonic Aviation and Thales InFlyt are also directly suppling airlines with entertainment even extending to 4K channels and movies. But connectivity over India has been extremely limited. That could now start to change.
India’s Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is working with Viasat. A recent interview with broadcaster NDTV and Viasat CEO Mark Dankberg heard him praise ISRO and say that Viasat’s recent acquisition of Inmarsat further improved connectivity for India.
“This puts us at the centre of many important communications over India,” said Dankberg. “This includes governmentand commercial aviation as well as maritime. We see a lot of opportunity here in India.”
He explained that an upcoming launch of India’s high capacity GSAT–20 craft, developed by ISRO and operated by New Space India, represented an opportunity to further boost In–Flight activity for Indian passengers.
“Our Viasat and GSAT–20 will provide very real connectivity. Our ambition is simple, we seek more bandwidth, that’s faster and at lower cost,” added Dankberg. “2025 will see a couple of our new satellites launching including one covering the Asia–Pacific region. We also see India as a rising space power. India is seen as a nation where technology can be developed frugally, but also really good technology. We are looking to expand our footprint and services for India.”