Source – Government of the Isle of Man:

First satellite to use an Isle of Man licensed orbital filing is launched (release on behalf of ManSat)

ViaSat-1Wednesday 19th October saw a major milestone for Manx companies ViaSat Isle of Man Limited, Telesat (IOM) Limited, ManSat Limited, and the Isle of Man Government with the successful launch of ViaSat-1 which will be the first satellite to use an Isle of Man licensed orbital filing.

The ViaSat-1 satellite will operate in geostationary orbit from an Isle of Man registered position at 115 Degrees West over the equator. It is the highest capacity satellite in the world and is designed to transform the economics and quality of service for satellite broadband.

The high-capacity Ka-band spot beam satellite covers North America, enabling a variety of new satellite Internet access services beginning with WildBlue in the U.S. and Xplornet in Canada, working via ViaSat’s Isle of Man subsidiary and Telesat (IOM) Limited.

“ViaSat-1 is designed to transform the economics and quality of service that satellite broadband can provide,” said Mark Dankberg, Chief Executive Officer of ViaSat.

“ViaSat-1 is a next generation, high throughput satellite that will provide fast and affordable broadband service to all Canadians,” said Dan Goldberg, Telesat’s President and CEO.

Chris Stott, Chairman and CEO of ManSat, said, “This is a great day for our clients ViaSat and Telesat and our partners in the Isle of Man Government. We are proud to support them in their work.”

Mr. Alex Downie OBE MLC, Political Member for the Isle of Man Department of Economic Development with responsibility for space, added, “Our congratulations to ViaSat, Telesat, and to ManSat. We are proud to play our part with the Isle of Man supporting such a ground breaking project.”

For more information please contact Ian Jarritt at +44 1624 615571 or ian.jarritt@mansat.com.