[Satellite Today – 2-8-08] ViaSat Inc. has appointed Tom Moore, co-founder of WildBlue Communications, president of the ViaSat-1 Ka-band broadband satellite initiative, ViaSat announced Feb. 8.
    In January, ViaSat and Eutelsat ordered Ka-band satellites intended to bring more capacity to the satellite broadband market. Space Systems/Loral (SS/L) will build ViaSat-1, which is scheduled to be launched in 2011 and will serve the North American market.
    “ViaSat has given the industry a huge shot of adrenaline with its ViaSat-1 initiative, and I’m happy to becoming on board to support this transformational satellite project,” Moore said in a statement. “This is a great opportunity for me to use my background and experience to take the original idea behind broadband by satellite to the level I’ve always thought possible.”
    Moore served as president, CEO and director of WildBlue from 1998 until 2005 and most recently served as  principal at TimesArrow, a telecommunications and technology venture firm.
    “Tom is a true visionary in the satellite broadband industry,” ViaSat CEO and Chairman Mark Dankberg said. “His instrumental role in bringing WildBlue from concept to reality — including in satellite design, procurement, financing, strategic partnerships, ground networking, launch and distribution relationships — makes him a great choice to lead our team. In addition to his vast expertise and enthusiasm for our Ka-band initiatives, his appointment signals that we intend to operate this important venture with dedicated resources that enable us to execute well while also maintaining focus on our core businesses.”