Inmarsat Maritime has announced the next phase of its NexusWave service, leveraging the upcoming ViaSat-3 satellite network. The two ViaSat-3 satellites are set to enter service in 2026, bringing a significant increase in available bandwidth for NexusWave customers through a new generation of maritime terminals. Additional capacity is expected from VS3 Flight 2 over the Americas and VS3 Flight 3 over Asia-Pacific.
NexusWave combines capacity from GEO Ka-band, LEO, LTE, and L-band networks into one managed connectivity solution. With the integration of ViaSat-3’s high-capacity satellites, users will see faster data transfers and improved efficiency to support both digital operations and crew welfare at sea.
The newly introduced VS60 maritime terminal, developed by Intellian and using Viasat software defined radio technology, will enhance NexusWave’s capabilities. The terminal supports demanding applications such as enterprise networking and video streaming. Recent sea trials showed download speeds above 250 megabits per second. It also includes multiple layers of protection for sensitive data and operational integrity.
ViaSat-3 satellites are equipped with more than 1,000 steerable spot beams to dynamically allocate bandwidth where needed across global shipping routes and offshore areas.
Gert-Jan Panken, Vice President at Inmarsat Maritime, stated: “The combination of NexusWave’s bonded, multi-orbit architecture, and the new ViaSat-3-ready terminal developed with Intellian puts us in a strong position to support the operational priorities of global fleets. It reinforces our long-term commitment to reliability, security, and customer experience at sea, and enables fleets to scale seamlessly with future capacity as the network expands.”
Ben Palmer OBE, President of Viasat Commercial, added: “NexusWave was built to deliver consistent performance in an increasingly complex connectivity landscape. As ViaSat-3 capacity becomes available, we’re taking another big step forward for our customers and partners by bringing more bandwidth, better flexibility, and a forward-thinking upgrade path to ensure connected confidence for the future.”
Viasat is a communications company operating in 24 countries that aims to provide secure and reliable connections globally. In May 2023, Viasat acquired Inmarsat as part of its strategy to build an extensive communications network for land, air, and sea use.
Inmarsat Maritime operates from Viasat’s international business headquarters in London.
