[SatNews] C-COM Satellite Systems Inc., (TSXV: CMI) provider of mobile auto-deploying satellite antenna systems, announces that its iNetVu® 1.2m Ka-band vehicle mount antenna system has received type approval from ViaSat® Inc. (NASDAQ: VSAT) for use on the network that powers the ViaSat Exede® Enterprise service. ViaSat is a provider of broadband and communication technologies and services.

“The Ka-1202V system is the second iNetVu® vehicle mount auto-deploy antenna system to have successfully passed all mechanical and radio frequency (RF) testing as required by the ViaSat Auto-acquire Terminal Qualification process,” said Bilal Awada, CTO of C-COM Satellite Systems Inc. “We are pleased to be able to provide U.S. market customers with an affordable alternative solution for when they require a larger than existing 75cm Ka-band antenna.”

The new antenna operates in Ka-band but is field switchable to also operate in Ku-band.  The product is designed for use by broadcasters, satellite news gathering (SNG), oil and gas exploration and first responders, as well as for the government and military markets.

Ka-1202 Stowed

“C-COM’s new and approved antenna model uses the proprietary controller technology which has been field tested and enhanced for over a decade, and is paired with more than 7000 iNetVu® units in the field,” said Leslie Klein, President and CEO of C-COM Satellite Systems Inc. “This sleek and low cost Driveaway system offers an alternative to our customers who insist on a higher diameter cost-effective antenna which might perform better under more adverse weather conditions,” Klein continued.

“We are happy to authorize use of the Ka-1202V antenna system from C-COM Satellite Systems on the revolutionary ViaSat broadband network that enables the ViaSat Exede Enterprise service,” said Steve Estes, senior vice president, Commercial Services, ViaSat. “We’ve worked with C-COM Satellite Systems for a number of years and recognize their ability to develop antenna systems that are robust, sophisticated and meet the critical bandwidth needs of today’s enterprise organizations.”

Full production rollout with immediate availability is expected in August 2015.