CARLSBAD, Calif. - ViaSat Inc. (Nasdaq: VSAT), a global broadband services and technology company, announced today it received Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) approval from the FAA for its second generation (Gen-2) in-flight entertainment and connectivity (IFEC) system. The certification allows ViaSat to offer internet service on Boeing 737 aircraft. The first installation of the Gen-2 equipment was certified on a Qantas 737-800 aircraft in June 2017.
Achieving STC approval demonstrates the flight worthiness of ViaSat’s Gen-2 Ka-band radome, antenna, entertainment software and in-cabin Wi-Fi distribution system. The Gen-2 equipment can enable:
- Even Faster In-Flight Internet Speeds: The Gen-2 system provides an onboard internet experience that consumers typically expect from ground-based Wi-Fi systems, with speeds that are 10 times faster than any other in-flight Wi-Fi system.
- More Capacity, More Streaming: The Gen-2 equipment drives more capacity from ViaSat’s satellites, with an advanced modem set to support throughput levels of up to 1 Gigabit per second, and an upgraded antenna that will double the useable satellite capacity from ViaSat’s satellites. Greater capacity will enable streaming at-scale – even at highly congested areas, including airport hubs.
- A Future-Proofed Broadband Solution: The Gen-2 system is forward and backward compatible with the ViaSat-2 and ViaSat-3 class satellites, allowing airlines to cost-effectively deploy the Gen-2 equipment today, and take advantage of the more than 3.5 terabits per second of total global capacity ViaSat expects to offer in the next few years. In addition, the Gen-2 equipment is compatible with most other Ka-band satellites, giving airlines greater choice in satellite solution provider.
- Streamlined Installation: The Gen-2 system leverages the durable and aerodynamic ARINC 791 adapter plate, which streamlines installation with its standardized design.
- Enhanced Entertainment: The Gen 2 system supports the ViaSat wireless In-flight Entertainment (w-IFE) software package for a fully integrated IFEC experience.
- Added Storage for New Applications: The Gen-2 system comes packed with 30 terabytes of solid-state storage, far exceeding the capabilities of other in-flight servers deployed today. With added storage, airlines can host more crew and passenger-focused applications within its open platform server.