Viasat has completed its acquisition of London-based Inmarsat, finalising the deal shortly after the Federal Communications Commission dismissed a competition complaint from SpaceX. The combined company creates a larger global communications provider with a broader portfolio of satellite services, expanded network assets, and complementary technologies.
This merger unites Viasat’s strengths in in-flight connectivity and fixed broadband with Inmarsat’s deep reach across mobility, government, Internet of Things (IoT), and enterprise distribution channels. Together, the companies intend to offer customers a multi-layered global network that delivers the right connectivity at the right time, place, and price.
Mark Dankberg, chairman and CEO of Viasat, said the organisation is “thrilled to welcome Inmarsat’s employees, customers, shareholders and partners into the Viasat ecosystem.” He emphasized that the combined teams, technologies, network assets, spectrum resources, and global partnerships will enable more affordable, secure, and reliable connections worldwide.
Viasat brings a long record of providing Wi‑Fi for commercial aircraft, U.S. fixed broadband services, and secure solutions for commercial networks and government defence systems. Inmarsat contributes extensive global distribution and long-standing relationships in areas such as maritime and aviation mobility, government, enterprise, and IoT. By joining forces, the merged company aims to broaden both fixed and mobile service offerings and better serve diverse customer segments.
The combined fleet will encompass 19 satellites operating across multiple frequency bands including Ka-, L-, and S-bands, and the workforce will be roughly 8,000 strong. This scale gives the company greater capacity to innovate across satellite and terrestrial infrastructure and to pursue growth opportunities in high-demand areas such as L-band services and IoT connectivity.
A strategic priority for Viasat is the emerging direct-to-device market. Inmarsat’s global L-band spectrum and satellite resources are positioned to support direct-to-device services and to help the company participate in the evolving multi-orbit, 5G mobile ecosystem. Industry analysts anticipate satellite communications will play an increasingly important role in extending 5G coverage and enabling ubiquitous connectivity, and Viasat aims to capitalise on these trends.
As integration progresses, the organisation will finalise its new operating structure and leadership within the first 100 days after closing. Mark Dankberg will remain chairman and CEO of the combined company, with Guru Gowrappan continuing as president. Rajeev Suri, former CEO of Inmarsat, and Andy Sukawaty, former Inmarsat chairman, will join Viasat’s board of directors. The company reaffirmed London as its global headquarters.
George Freeman MP, the UK’s Minister of State for the Department of Science, Innovation & Technology, highlighted the deal’s importance for the UK space sector. He noted that the combination creates a global satellite communications leader based in the UK, bringing significant investment, hundreds of skilled jobs, and a catalyst for economic growth. He also expressed intent to work with the company to leverage the UK’s regulatory framework and leadership to support advanced technologies and strengthen the space economy.
The acquisition closed after an 18‑month process involving regulatory reviews in multiple jurisdictions. The transaction received approval from the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority, the European Commission, and the FCC. With Inmarsat’s assets and spectrum added to Viasat’s capabilities, the merged business expects to generate positive free cash flow over time and be well positioned to compete in the global satellite market.
Beyond immediate operational and commercial benefits, the merger brings enhanced capacity to develop multi-orbit solutions that pair geostationary and non-geostationary systems with terrestrial networks. These capabilities should help customers and channel partners access reliable, resilient connectivity for aviation, maritime, government, enterprise, and IoT applications worldwide.
(Image Credit: Viasat)