Telesat secures substantial multi-year contract with Viasat for Telesat Lightspeed services

Core Insights - Telesat has secured a significant multi-year contract with Viasat Inc. for its Lightspeed Low Earth Orbit (LEO) services, which will be integrated into Viasat's offerings for various markets including aviation, maritime, enterprise, and defense [1][2] Company Overview - Telesat is recognized as one of the largest and most innovative satellite operators globally, focusing on delivering critical connectivity solutions to address complex communication challenges [5][6] - The Telesat Lightspeed network is designed to meet the rigorous requirements of telecom, government, maritime, and aeronautical customers, promising high-capacity, secure, and resilient links with fiber-like speeds [6] Contract Details - Viasat plans to utilize Telesat Lightspeed to enhance its broadband connectivity services, particularly in the commercial aviation sector, where it is already the largest provider [2] - The integration will allow thousands of aircraft equipped with Viasat's GM-40 antenna to access the Telesat Lightspeed network starting in late 2027 [2] Service Capabilities - Telesat Lightspeed offers high-speed, low-latency broadband globally, ensuring quality connectivity for passengers on flights, including over polar regions, backed by enterprise-grade Service Level Agreements (SLAs) [3] - The network is built to government cybersecurity standards and employs a Zero-Trust Network Access architecture, making it suitable for defense communications [4]