DOCSIS�-based network enables Internet and broadband communications to schools

Carlsbad, CA � ViaSat is supplying its consumer broadband satellite network system to Telesat, one of the world�s leading satellite operators. ViaSat will supply more than 3,700 satellite terminals that Telesat customers will use to enable Internet access for schools in Colombia, plus additional terminals for other projects in Latin America.

Telesat customers, Comsat Colombia and Internet por Colombia, will be the service providers for the network, which is part of the Compartel Social Telephony Program � a national plan to facilitate universal access to telecommunications services in rural areas throughout Colombia. Installations are scheduled to occur over an 18 month period. The Ku-band satellite capacity is being supplied via Telesat�s Anik F1 satellite. The ViaSat consumer broadband system, called SurfBeam�, is a new approach to broadband satellite communications that lowers the cost of consumer terminals, provides mature back office and customer service systems, and makes satellite a very cost-effective medium for broadband delivery. The open standard network adapts the Data-Over-Cable Service Interface Specifications (DOCSIS� ) � the cable modem networking standard � to satellite transmission.

Two key features of the ViaSat system make it an especially ideal network for Compartel:

• ViaSat�s implementation of DOCSIS for satellite includes technology that mitigates rain fade without the need for service providers to buy additional satellite bandwidth to create a network-wide bandwidth �margin.� The system automatically responds to rain fade situations with data coding techniques that overcome the potential outages.
• A �virtual network operations center� enables both service providers, Comsat Colombia and Internet por Colombia, to operate from a single network hub. Each service provider has control over its own network connections and customers, yet those customers remain secure and inaccessible to the other provider.

The DOCSIS broadband networking standard is already used by millions of terrestrial cable customers, so the technology is highly developed and low-cost in terms of modem chipsets, hub (headend) hardware, installation, and customer support systems. In cooperation with the Ministry of Education, the Compartel network is aimed at guaranteeing Internet access in public education establishments that have computers, but lack telecommunication services. The Compartel program was instituted in 1999 when Colombia realized a great disparity in access to telecommunication services between urban and rural areas of the country. In that year, 77% of the main telephone lines were concentrated in the 23 principal cities in which only 46% of the population was located.

About Telesat

(www.telesat.com)

Telesat is a pioneer and world leader in satellite operations and systems management. The company made history in 1972 with the launch of the first Canadian commercial communications satellite in geostationary orbit. Today, Telesat competes with other top international satellite fleets in providing telecommunications and broadcasting services throughout the Americas, and is a leading consultant, operator and partner in satellite ventures around the globe. Telesat is a wholly owned subsidiary of BCE Inc., a leading communications company with shares listed in the United States, Canada and Europe.

Safe Harbor Statement

Portions of this release, particularly statements about the capabilities of the ViaSat DOCSIS for satellite broadband system and Compartel network deliveries, may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. ViaSat wishes to caution you that there are some factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from historical results or from any results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including but not limited to: ViaSat�s ability to perform under existing contracts and obtain additional contracts; ViaSat�s ability to develop new products that gain market acceptance; changes in product supply, pricing and customer demand; changes in relationships with, or the financial condition of, key customers or suppliers; changes in government regulations; changes in economic conditions globally and in the communications markets in particular; increased competition; potential product liability; infringement and other claims; and other factors affecting the communications industry generally. ViaSat refers you to the documents it files from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission, specifically the section titled Factors That May Affect Future Performance in ViaSat�s Form 10-Ks and subsequent Form 10-Qs. These documents contain and identify other important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in our projections or forward-looking statements. Stockholders and other readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date on which they are made. We undertake no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements.

DOCSIS is a registered trademark of Cable Television Laboratories Inc.
Comsat Labs and Comsat Laboratories are tradenames of ViaSat, Inc. Neither Comsat Labs nor Comsat Laboratories is affiliated with COMSAT Corporation. �Comsat� is a registered trademark of COMSAT Corporation.

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