The US presidential jet, Air Force One, already has all sorts of secure two-way air-to-ground communications, but a $73 million (€66.3m) order from the US Defense Department to California-based ViaSat significantly boosts the aircraft’s broadband connectivity.

The ViaSat deal also covers in-flight communications for Air Force Two, the back-up jet, as well as a pair of smaller jets that are used for other senior VIPs.

The contract covers technology which will allow the President – and his or her staff – to stream full-motion HDTV video, as well as increasing the number of circuits for voice conference calls and VoIP links.

Air Force One will use Ku and Ka-band frequencies to connect to satellite signals.

Other posts by :

1. Euro-bank sets up €500m space fund
2. Revenue jump forecast for Eutelsat
3. Moody’s upgrades Eutelsat’s debt rating
4. Rivada Space Networks wins spectrum dispute
5. Will we take an AI bubble bath?
6. Eutelsat shareholders upset over Rights Issue
7. Amazon Leo satellites en route to French Guiana
8. Deutsche Bank reveals targets for AST SpaceMobile
9. AST SpaceMobile boss outlines benefits

Categories: Articles, Broadband