Viasat Enhances L-TAC Satellite Service with On-Demand Features

Viasat Enhances L-TAC Satellite Service with On-Demand Features
by Clarence Oxford
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Aug 15, 2024
Viasat, Inc. (NASDAQ: VSAT), a global leader in satellite communications, has introduced the next phase of its L-band tactical satellite service, L-TAC, offering new capabilities that allow users to access the service on-demand when and where needed. The L-TAC service, facilitated through Viasat's extensive L-band network, connects radio users and command centers across the globe by utilizing tactical radios' existing waveforms, encryption, and a secure terrestrial network.

The updated L-TAC solution now includes an automated system for service ordering and provisioning, along with an automated L-TAC channel assignment feature for more efficient resource management. A new web portal will enable end users or Viasat partners to order or schedule L-TAC services. This enhancement allows users to request and receive service on-demand within specific beams and geographic regions according to their operational needs. Consequently, global government customers can quickly obtain service in areas of operation and manage their resources more effectively.

Additionally, U.S. government customers can now utilize a radio frequency over Internet protocol (RFoIP) solution, enabling remote monitoring of L-TAC channels. This capability allows L-TAC user nets, or radio nets, to be remotely accessed worldwide over IP, ensuring connectivity between users and their headquarters, forward operating bases, or other remote sites.

Historically, government and military users have depended on line-of-sight Ultra High Frequency (UHF), Very High Frequency (VHF), and UHF SATCOM systems for tactical communications, with limited alternatives when these services were unavailable. The Viasat L-TAC service provides a viable alternative, complementing existing UHF, VHF, and UHF TACSAT radios by allowing users to continue using their security-accredited equipment with advanced encryption over L-band satellite connections via interoperable waveforms.

"Our award-winning L-TAC solution is a trusted option for tactical, beyond line-of-sight communications with thousands of units deployed. We recognize that our government customers' missions and requirements are always evolving so it is our responsibility to never stop innovating to meet those needs," said Susan Miller, President, Viasat Government. "This latest evolution of L-TAC is in direct response to users' feedback. It further enhances the capabilities available to our customers, while also delivering the flexibility, ease-of-use, and implementation that today's warfighters expect."

For years, users worldwide have relied on the L-TAC solution for dependable voice and data connectivity, offering a robust and versatile beyond line-of-sight (BLOS) capability that supports missions in the air, at sea, and on land. The L-TAC service is actively supporting global operations for several nations' armed forces, and a civilian version is available for police, fire and medical support services, emergency services, aid agencies, embassy communications, and other civilian agency applications.