Viasat/Inmarsat Deal Opens L-Band, Narrowband Doors to Viasat, FCC Told

Both Inmarsat and Viasat pitched the case for allowing Viasat's $7.3 billion purchase of Inmarsat in a pair of docket 22-153 filings Tuesday in response to FCC requests for more information. Viasat is interested in Inmarsat for its spectrum, satellite and terrestrial assets and the role Viasat can play in a global hybrid space and terrestrial network, Inmarsat told the agency. Inmarsat said the deal accelerates New Viasat's ability to offer global overage and lets it add L-band products and services. It said using Inmarsat satellites for base load capacity in low-usage areas lets it divert more power to areas of higher demand using higher-density, smaller-area beams. Viasat said given the years it takes to design, launch and bring into service new satellites, the purchase would benefit New Viasat far better than deployment of additional satellites, especially given the challenge of getting geostationary orbital slots that would let either company replicate the other's system. It said the deal would make New Viasat a strong competitor in providing in-flight connectivity. Viasat said the Inmarsat transaction would also let it be more competitive in narrowband connectivity areas such as mobile IoT and maritime and aviation safety communications. Viasat said the deal doesn't affect its plans for deploying its ViaSat-3 constellation. Both operators said the deal would mean New Viasat would spend less on buying third-party satellite capacity. The acquisition is expected to get regulatory approval (see 2111080038).