The First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority) today celebrated a critical advancement in mission-critical communications as ViaSat-3 F2, the second satellite in Viasat’s next-generation ViaSat-3 constellation, continues its steady ascent toward geostationary orbit at approximately 22,235 miles (35,786 km) above Earth.

Once fully operational in geostationary position, ViaSat-3 F2 will synchronize with Earth’s rotation—effectively remaining stationary over the Americas—and deliver more than 1 Terabit per second (Tbps) of dedicated, high-capacity Ka-band bandwidth specifically allocated for FirstNet users through a long-term Capacity Resource Delivery (CRD™) agreement with AT&T, the FirstNet network operator.

“This satellite represents a transformative step in ensuring America’s public safety community has access to ultra-high-capacity, highly resilient satellite connectivity when and where terrestrial networks are damaged, overloaded, or unavailable,” said FirstNet Authority Chief Technology Officer Scott Gray. “The anticipated improvements in speed, coverage, and service quality will have an immediate and lasting positive impact on first responders and the communities they protect.”

Key benefits of the ViaSat-3 F2 enhancement for FirstNet include:

•  Over 1 Tbps of additional dedicated capacity exclusively for public safety

•  Seamless integration with the nationwide FirstNet terrestrial network via AT&T’s CRD™ architecture

•  Dramatic improvements in backhaul for deployable assets (Cell on Wheels, Cell on Light Trucks, SatCOLTs, and aerial platforms)

•  Enhanced support for high-bandwidth applications including real-time 4K video, drone operations, AR/VR incident command, and large-scale data transfer in disaster zones

ViaSat-3 F2 is currently in the orbit-raising phase, utilizing its all-electric propulsion system to climb to its final geostationary slot. Upon arrival, it will join the growing constellation designed to deliver ultra-high-capacity, flexible broadband services across commercial, consumer, and defense sectors—while providing FirstNet with priority, mission-assured capacity across the entire Western Hemisphere.

“FirstNet was built to evolve with the needs of public safety,” Gray continued. “The addition of ViaSat-3 capacity ensures that no matter the scale or location of an incident—wildfires in California, hurricanes in the Caribbean, or flooding across the Midwest—America’s responders will have the bandwidth they need to coordinate, communicate, and save lives.”