Viasat: Satellite Internet, Space Communications, and Global Connectivity

When you think of Viasat, a leading provider of satellite-based internet and communications services that uses geostationary satellites to deliver broadband to remote and mobile locations. Also known as Exede, it's one of the few companies that can give you reliable internet where cell towers and fiber can't reach. Viasat isn’t just another internet provider—it’s a space communications company that operates satellites orbiting 22,000 miles above Earth, beaming signals down to dishes on your roof, boat, or plane.

Its network relies on geostationary satellites, satellites that match Earth’s rotation and stay fixed over one spot, enabling continuous coverage. These aren’t the small, fast-moving Starlink satellites—you’re connecting to massive, high-capacity spacecraft built to handle heavy data traffic across continents. Viasat’s technology supports everything from rural home internet to military operations, cruise ships, and even in-flight Wi-Fi on major airlines. That means if you’re on a remote farm in Montana, sailing in the Caribbean, or flying over the Pacific, Viasat is likely the reason you can stream, video call, or check email.

The real challenge? Latency. Because signals have to travel that far up and back, there’s a delay—about half a second—which makes real-time gaming or Zoom calls tricky. But for everyday browsing, email, and streaming, it works. Viasat keeps improving with newer satellites like ViaSat-3, which promises much higher speeds and broader coverage. It’s not perfect, but for millions without alternatives, it’s life-changing.

You’ll find posts here that dig into how satellite internet fits into broader space tech trends—like how Viasat’s systems compare to Starlink’s low-Earth orbit approach, what happens when satellites reenter the atmosphere, and how companies like Viasat shape global connectivity. We also cover related topics like GPS security, space-based navigation, and the hardware that makes it all possible. Whether you’re curious about the tech behind your home internet or how space companies compete for bandwidth, this collection gives you clear, no-fluff answers.