ViaSat and Cobham Bring Push-To-Talk System to the Mobile Satellite Services Market

ViaSat Inc. and Cobham SATCOM announced a strategic agreement to introduce new and innovative product and service offerings to the Mobile Satellite Services (MSS) market.

The first satellite terminal product from the Cobham/ViaSat collaboration is the EXPLORER 122, a compact, vehicle mount real-time IP satellite terminal, which will complement the EXPLORER PTT-II system for mission-critical voice and data communications. The proprietary Cobham PTT technology allows for the seamless handover of voice calls from cellular-to-satellite, when the terrestrial connection is lost, without interrupting the conversation.

The new EXPLORER 122, operating over the all-IP ViaSat L-band Managed Service network, features a ruggedized terminal design in a small form-factor with omni-directional antenna architecture and no moving parts, thus increasing the reliability and reducing the structure-borne noise heard from inside the vehicle. The PTT satellite service utilizes ViaSat's new L-band waveform that offers true IP multicast voice over LightSquared's Skyterra-1 satellite, allowing for flat rate service plans while protecting the users' information with the most advanced commercial encryption available.

"The EXPLORER 122 operating on the ViaSat Managed Service network meets a critical demand from our customers for a lower profile, ruggedized and cost-effective satellite terminal," said Henrik Norrelykke, vice president, Land Business, Cobham SATCOM. "The ViaSat Managed Service network's low latency, encrypted and IP multicast architecture provides an ideal fit for the Cobham PTT solution."

"Cobham SATCOM is a recognized leader in the L-band terminal market and brings a well-established worldwide distribution network," said Phil Berry, vice president and general manager, Mobile Satellite Services, ViaSat. "This strategic relationship allows us to combine the complementary strengths of our companies to better serve current and future customers."