Carlsbad Company Awarded Air Force One Broadband Contract

CARLSBAD, CA — Carlsbad-based ViaSat was awarded a $33-million federal contract Monday to provide in-flight broadband Internet and communications services for Air Force One and other aircraft used by senior U.S. officials.

ViaSat, which provides in-flight Internet for several airlines, was given the contract by the U.S. Defense Information Systems Agency.

According to the company, ViaSat will provide government leaders with streaming high-definition video, two-way communications through video conferencing or voice phone calls, and real-time intelligence and other data for critical decision-making.

"ViaSat's high-capacity global in-flight internet service ensures executive and government leaders and their teams can stay connected, informed and productive, maximizing the effectiveness of time in-flight with 'Situation Room and Command Center' connectivity in the sky," said Ken Peterman, senior vice president and general manager of the firm's Government Systems Division.

Peterman said the company is "proud to be delivering remarkably fast data speeds and an abundance of capacity to support the in-flight communications needs of our government's senior leadership on Air Force One and other special air mission aircraft."

The value of the contract, which runs through next May and is followed by two six-month options, could increase to $73.2 million, according to ViaSat.

— City News Service

(Photo/Dtom via Wikimedia Commons)