Carlsbad, CA - ViaSat has finalized a contract to supply its SurfBeam® broadband satellite networking system to Smart Digital Communications Bhd in Malaysia. Smart will use the system, the first of its kind in Asia, to provide enhanced satellite managed services and networking operations for a new service called Triple Play that will bring video, voice and high-speed Internet to homes and small businesses in Malaysia. Under this contract, ViaSat will supply a hub and 5,000 Ku-band satellite terminals for the project. The value of the contract is over US$5.75 million and the installations are scheduled to be completed by the end of 2005.
“Smart Digital chose the ViaSat SurfBeam technology because its innovative approach to broadband satellite communications will maintain both cost and performance as we grow these large networks,” said Mr. Khairuddin Abd Rahman, president and CEO of Smart Digital. “In our country, satellite networking has a pivotal role and we need to complement our government commitment to provide broadband under the National Broadband Plan. We are focusing on technology that delivers a true cost-effective and high-quality service level to the customers who will support a successful business model.”
“We are honored to be chosen again by Smart Digital and value their trust in our ability to deliver technology and services that will enhance their leadership in delivering broadband services throughout Malaysia,” said Feroz Khan, ViaSat regional director for Southeast Asia.
SurfBeam not only provides lower cost consumer satellite modems, but also delivers high efficiency in using satellite bandwidth, saving bandwidth costs and allowing more users to share a given amount of bandwidth. The system is based on the open standard of terrestrial cable modem networking, called DOCSIS® (Data-Over-Cable Service Interface Specifications), but includes additional networking technology to match the unique characteristics of satellite transmission. Since the DOCSIS broadband networking standard is already used by millions of terrestrial cable customers, the technology is highly developed and low-cost in terms of modem chipsets, hub (headend) hardware, self-installation, and customer support systems.
About Smart Digital Communications(www.smartmalaysia.com)
The SMART Group of companies, based in Selangor, Malaysia, consists of Smart Digital Communications Berhad and its subsidiaries, Smart Broadband Satellite Sdn. Bhd. (SBSSB), and Smart Cellular Sdn. Bhd.(SCSB). Apart from its cellular infrastructure provider role, the company also focuses on satellite communication applications such as high-speed Internet access, interactive distance learning, and interactive TV. By utilizing satellite as a platform, the system bypasses the bottlenecks associated with the terrestrial infrastructure. Smart and its marketing partners already provide broadband internet access via satellite to universities such as Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) and various SMIs, SMEs, and business corporations through a network of more than 2000 ViaSat LinkStar® VSATs.
About ViaSat
ViaSat produces innovative satellite and other communication products that enable fast, secure, and efficient communications to any location. Products include satellite ground equipment, information security devices, tactical data radios, and communication simulators. ViaSat has a full line of VSAT products for data and voice applications, and is a market leader in Ka-band satellite systems, from user terminals to large gateways. ViaSat has locations in Carlsbad, CA, and Norcross, GA, along with its Comsat Laboratories division in Clarksburg, MD. Additional field offices are located in Boston, MA, Washington DC, Australia, China, India, Italy, and Spain.
In addition, ViaSat’s wholly-owned subsidiary, U.S. Monolithics, designs and produces monolithic microwave integrated circuits (MMICs) and modules for use in broadband communications. USM is based in Chandler, Arizona.
Safe Harbor Statement
Portions of this release, particularly statements about the capabilities and deliveries of the SurfBeam system, 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-K. 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.
