Advanced Television

Inmarsat

Inmarsat-6 a complete loss?

Inmarsat’s latest satellite, its I6-F2 craft, has not been manoeuvred since its power failure anomaly was reported. Inmarsat, now owned by Viasat, has not made any announcement but the fear is that the craft will be declared a total loss. Ground observations state that I6-F2’s orbit has changed only very slightly and those likely due […]

September 14, 2023By Chris Forrester

Forecast: Satellite IoT subs at 23.9m by 2027

According to a report from specialist IoT analyst firm Berg Insight, the global satellite IoT communications market is growing at a steady pace. The global satellite IoT subscriber base grew to surpass 4.5 million in 2022. The number of satellite IoT subscribers is forecast increase at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 39.6 per […]

August 30, 2023

Viasat faces key business challenge

It is not yet confirmed but the potential loss of a new satellite for Viasat of California could pose a major problem for the company. But some experts suggest the loss might prove to be a blessing in disguise. The satellite in question is Inmarsat I6-F2 craft, but the probable loss comes hard on the […]

August 29, 2023

Inmarsat: “Free is the future for IFC”

Airline passengers can – on some aircraft – already enjoy free in-flight WiFi. Other airlines allow their premium passengers either totally ‘free’ broadband or a service that’s good for a set number of minutes. Of course, none of these are truly ‘free’ in that the savvy airline operator has already built the cost of supplying […]

August 9, 2023By Chris Forrester

Viasat changing Inmarsat’s plan for LEOs?

Inmarsat, prior to its take-over by US-based Viasat, had planned to launch a fleet of low Earth orbiting satellites (Orchestra). It now seems that Viasat is re-thinking the scheme which would save millions in terms of investment. Viasat has written to the FCC withdrawing its applications for V-band satellite spectrum. The letter from Viasat to […]

July 26, 2023By Chris Forrester

Viasat shares crash

Viasat, which only a few weeks ago was celebrating the acquisition of London-based Inmarsat, is suffering a massive crisis of shareholder confidence following news of its problems with its new ViaSat-3 Americas (VS-3A) satellite. Its shares opened on July 13th at $42.98 and closed on the day at $30.74, a net fall of 28.48 per […]

July 14, 2023

Survey: IFC a key passenger expectation

A survey conducted on behalf of satellite operator Inmarsat (now part of Viasat) has revealed that the vast majority of respondents (82 per cent) agreed that In Flight Communication (IFC) is now a key passenger expectation – whatever the size of the jet. Inmarsat and Corporate Jet Investor (CJI) partnered again to conduct their annual […]

July 6, 2023By Chris Forrester

Viasat CEO: “Inmarsat acquisition a big step”

Viasat’s CEO Mark Dankberg, in a letter to shareholders following the acquisition of Inmarsat, has said that the purchase represented a “big step” for the business and that the next move was to thoughtfully integrate two companies into a single cohesive team with common purpose, shared insights, targeted innovation, and trusted service delivery. “We have […]

June 20, 2023By Chris Forrester

Ethiopian Airlines selects GX Aviation inflight broadband

Pan-African carrier Ethiopian Airlines, will offer advanced, high-speed inflight broadband to passengers onboard its upcoming Airbus A350-1000 aircraft, with GX Aviation provided by Inmarsat, recently acquired by Viasat, and selected through the Airbus Airspace Link HBCplus programme. As one of the launch airlines for inflight connectivity (IFC) through Airbus’s HBCplus programme, Ethiopian Airlines will benefit […]

June 9, 2023

Viasat, Inmarsat wrap merger

After a long-drawn out series of competition investigations over the past 18 months, Viasat has finally wrapped its planned merger with Inmarsat. The deal represents the biggest satellite industry consolidation since SES acquired GE Americom back in November 2001 (which cost SES $5 billion at the time). This Viasat deal is more complex given that […]

June 1, 2023By Chris Forrester