ViaSat [VSAT] this week exhibited the prototype of a lightweight, portable broadband terminal featuring power-on, auto-acquire antenna pointing that the company says greatly simplifies and speeds up deployment.
The terminal, designated the ViaSat Mobile Terminal (VMT)-1220P, was on display this week at the Association of United States Army trade show in Washington. The VMT-1220P is optimized for ViaSat’s worldwide broadband satellite network, so mobile and dismounted warfighters can send and receive live full-motion video, make secure phone calls and access classified networks, according to a company statement. ViaSat provides service plans through tiered levels of performance and connectivity ranging from exclusive, guaranteed access to shared network access.
ViaSat Vice President of Marketing for Global Mobile Broadband Robert Varga told Defense Daily Tuesday at AUSA the VMT-1220P works on both of ViaSat’s Yonder broadband satellite communications (SATCOM) network for private business and its SATCOM network for military and government aircraft.
The mechanical design includes a 16x16x24-inch, 45-pound profile with a hardened radome and electronics base for harsh environment and maritime applications.
Varga said the company can have a “finished” version of VMT-1220P about one year from an initial customer order.