Viasat has successfully carried out the initial satellite broadband upgrade aboard a Military Sealift Command vessel, marking a significant milestone in its broader initiative. The project, encompassing a total of 105 vessels, is part of a contract valued at $578 million, initially secured by Inmarsat in 2022 prior to its acquisition by Viasat.
The Military Sealift Command, responsible for facilitating ocean transportation for the Department of Defense, operates a fleet comprising approximately 125 civilian-crewed ships. These vessels play a pivotal role in replenishing Navy ships at sea, transporting military personnel and equipment, and strategically distributing cargo worldwide.
Under the upgrade program, Viasat is transitioning the ships' satellite network from Ku-band to its Global Xpress Ka-band and the ELERA L-band systems. This transition enables a dual-band network setup, with Ka-band serving as the primary broadband connection supplemented by L-band service in regions where Ka-band signals may be limited.
Steve Gizinski, managing director of Viasat Government Services, emphasized that the company is delivering a fully managed service to the Military Sealift Command. The preference for Ka-band stems from its perceived reliability in offering global coverage—a key requirement for the Command's operational needs.
Gizinski, formerly with Inmarsat Government Services and now leading Viasat Government Services, highlighted the specific request from the Military Sealift Command for Ka-band connectivity due to its broader coverage capabilities compared to Ku-band. He explained that L-band service is necessitated in areas where Ku service is unavailable.
The broadband upgrade entails the deployment of two terminals—an acquired Ka-band terminal from Cobham and an internally developed L-band terminal by Viasat. The MSC contract, spanning $578 million over a decade, encompasses the upgrade of broadband services, along with the maintenance and operation of the command's communications infrastructure, teleports, and terrestrial services.
Photo: U.S. Pacific Fleet