How are VSAT Giants Revolutionizing Remote Communication Worldwide

The Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) segment stands as a crucial pillar for current satellite communications as it enables seamless connectivity in remote locations. VSAT technology relies on a compact satellite antenna to deliver a two-way communication as supports a wide range of services including enterprise networking, broadband access, aviation and maritime connectivity.

Additionally, it plays a crucial role in ensuring communication in remote and critical operations, thus making it essential for industries such as government, energy, defense and telecommunication. The current industry is characterized with higher competition among leading players who are focusing on innovation to meet the growing consumer demand.

Fortune Business Insights states that the market for Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) is noticing a significant growth with a CAGR of 13.9% and is predicted to reach a revenue share of USD 29.42 billion by 2032.

Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) Companies Operating Globally:

1. Hughes Satellite Systems Corporation

Currently known as Hughes Network Systems, LLC, the company is a well-known global provider of broadband satellite networks and related services. The company offers VSAT technology that enables companies and governments of different nations to establish a reliable communication in remote areas. Hughes Network Systems declared its partnership with Luna Space Telecommunications Co. Ltd., which is a part of the Skyband Holding company in Saudi Arabia, in June 2024. This partnership aimed at the purchase of a JUPITER™ System Gateway and 1,200 Hughes JUPITER Terminals to advance Skyband's VSAT network.

2. Viasat, Inc.

A global communications company, Viasat, Inc. offers a high speed satellite broadband and various other communication services. It expertise in connecting businesses, people, governments and militaries by offering solutions for commercial, residential, and government customers. For instance, In April 2024, Viasat collaborated with SES to augment their satellite communications offerings, mainly in VSAT technology. Additionally, it also acquired British Inmarsat in May 2023. This acquisition aimed to enhance its satellite communication capabilities and expand its market presence.

3. Cobham Satcom Ltd.

Cobham Satcom Ltd., is known for offering a range of VSAT solutions for land based and maritime applications such as terminals, antennas and systems. These are designed for delivering reliable and high performance connectivity for commercial shipping and land based operations. In July 2024, the company unveiled the Sea Tel 370s TV. This is a new antenna precisely designed for the maritime industry, aiming cruise ships and mega yachts. This is a 3.7-meter antenna that focuses to improve onboard contact to high-quality television programming globally while considerably decreasing lifetime technical expenses.

4. Marlink Group

Marlink Group, a global provider of smart network solutions, is known for connecting assets and peoples in remote locations. Its VSAT offering combines satellite and terrestrial technologies and is a part of its broader hybrid network strategy. Marlink stated its plan to install the Sealink NextGen hybrid network solution on 26 tankers for Transpetro which is Brazil's largest crude and product tanker operator, in October 2024. This compiles Marlink’s global VSAT services with the high-throughput, low-latency competences of Starlink's Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite solution.

5. ST Engineering Ltd.

ST Engineering Ltd., is a Singapore based global defense, technology and engineering group. It has a wide portfolio of businesses across smart city, aerospace, defense and public security sector. The firm offers solutions to defense and commercial companies in more than 100 countries. For instance, In August 2023, the company announced Complete Share acquisition that focused to combine ST Engineering’s capabilities in satellite communications and increase its VSAT offerings.

6. Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd.

Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd., offers satellite based broadband communication solutions globally. it is known for designing and manufacturing ground segment equipment and offering a wide range of services for application including cellular backhaul, broadband access, and in-flight connectivity. In September 2024, the company acquired over USD 12 million in orders from a top satellite operator aiming to improve their global satellite communications (SATCOM) network. This order precisely involved the positioning of Gilat's SkyEdge IV and SkyEdge II-c platforms, designed to offer versatile communication competences across different orbital assets.

7. Intelsat S.A.

A Luxembourgish-American company, Intelsat S.A., offers satellite based communication services including transponder services, channel services, managed services and others to telecommunication, media and government sectors. The company was acquired by SES in April 2024 for a USD 3.1 billion. This has expanded its capabilities in multi-orbit satellite services including VSAT. Additionally, the company also collaborated with Bharti Airtel in February 2024, to enhance its connectivity solutions and leverage VSAT technology for rural broadband services.

8. L3Harris Technologies Inc.

A major player in defense and aerospace sector, L3Harris Technologies Inc., provides a range of communication and networking solutions. Its VSAT products, including Hawkeye 4 Lite and Panther II, are specially designed for high speed and secure data communication in different challenging environments across government and military applications. In March 2024, the company gained a USD 60 million contract from the U.S. Army to supply satellite communication (SATCOM) terminals, specially the Hawkeye III Lite Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) system. This is designed to deliver high-speed internet connections and increase communication capabilities for military operations.

9. Orbit Communication Systems Ltd.

Orbit Communication Systems Ltd offers advanced satellite communication services. It specializes in maritime and airborne communication, ground station technology, and satellite tracking solutions for both military and commercial applications.      In August 2024, the company collaborated with Viasat Inc. this collaboration aimed to develop cutting-edge airborne satellite communication systems, explicitly Multi-Purpose Terminals (MPT) designed for different airborne platforms. This also aimed to improve the connectivity for Viasat's end-users by allowing seamless integration through its global Ka-band satellite networks, with the upcoming high-capacity ViaSat-3 network and the current Global Xpress (GX) network.

10. SpeedCast International Limited

SpeedCast International Limited offers VSAT services and other solutions to different industries including offshore, maritime and enterprise sector. Its VSAT service includes deployment, design, maintenance and operation of networks with different additional services including user applications and network optimization. In August 2023, that company had stated acquisition of the Maritime Division of Azzura Marine. This aimed to combine ST Engineering’s capabilities in satellite communications and increase its VSAT offerings.

How Will VSAT Shape the Future of Global Connectivity?

In future, the industry will continue transforming the global communication. With the rapid deployment of high-throughput and low-earth orbit satellites, VSAT is expected to offer faster, reliable, and cost effective connectivity to remote regions. Energy, aviation, and government sectors are increasingly relying on VSAT networks to support the critical activities with increasing digitalization.