Eutelsat and ViaSat form European broadband JV

Satellite operators Eutelsat and ViaSat have formed a joint venture (JV) to expand their satellite broadband efforts in Europe.

The JV will expand Eutelsat’s current wholesale broadband business and will see the companies launch a new consumer retail service in Europe, initially using KA-SAT, Eutelsat’s high capacity broadband satellite.

The deal brings together Eutelsat’s current European broadband business with ViaSat’s broadband technologies and consumer internet service provider experience.

“Broadband is an important component of our strategy, and we seek to partner with market-leading companies that contribute to enriching our offer. ViaSat is a partner that we both trust and value for its track record in setting industry standards and developing technologies that unlock broadband opportunities,” said Eutelsat Chairman and CEO, Michel de Rosen.

He said the JV will take Eutelsat’s decade-long relationship with ViaSat “to a new level” and help them to provide affordable, high-quality internet services in Europe.

ViaSat’s Chairman and CEO, Mark Dankberg said: “The joint venture combines an unprecedented collection of expertise in satellite operations and technology, broadband networks, and wholesale and retail distribution throughout Europe that forms the foundation for next-generation internet services. We’re excited to be working with Eutelsat to bring a proven model to the European and Mediterranean markets.”