ViaSat-Eutelsat HTS coverage map. Photo: Eutelsat

[Via Satellite 07-01-2014] France based Eutelsat Communications and U.S. based ViaSat have teamed up to allow service access and roaming between their High Throughput Satellites (HTS). The deal meshes the footprint of ViaSat 1 and Ka Sat, creating a coverage area that spans across the Atlantic, covering North America, Europe and the Mediterranean basin.

The combined Ka-band HTS system will use ViaSat’s broadband system and a combination of ground infrastructure owned by both companies. Ka Sat supplies more than 90 Gbps of network capacity, and ViaSat’s network provides more than 145 Gbps of capacity. Mark Dankberg, chairman and CEO of ViaSat, said the agreement enables ViaSat to provide high-speed in-flight connectivity on both sides of the Atlantic. Eutelsat Chairman and CEO Michel de Rosen called the deal “a real plus” for mobile service companies.

The ViaSat-Eutelsat HTS agreement includes provisions for upcoming satellites including ViaSat 2, and follow on technologies.