Viasat stopped serving the Marine/Maritime business on 6/30/2025.
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- There is no cost effective modification for existing Viasat equipment, so that the Viasat equipment could be used with a different GEO Vsat provider.
- All Viasat Maritime equipment will not operate beyond 6/30/2025
- We encourage all former Viasat Maritime clients to take advantage of the current special pricing for the Starlink Flat High Performance kit. Currently the Starlink Flat High Performance Kit Antenna $999. Details on the Starlink Flat High Performance kit here.
- Marine Data Solutions has Unlimited GB USA 5G Sim Cards starting at $160 per month
- Marine Data Solutions has Starlink High Performance equipment in stock ready for immediate installation or we can ship to your location.
Call us today to discuss your options at 954 859 7092
Viasat / VSAT Replacement Options for Yachts
If your yacht has a legacy VSAT system installed under the Viasat brand, you may need a replacement connectivity plan rather than a simple airtime change. The most reliable modern approach is a hybrid onboard network that combines LEO satellite offshore with LTE/5G nearshore, managed by a multi-WAN marine router so sessions don’t drop when networks change. Share your current hardware model and cruising region and we’ll recommend a migration path and installation plan.
Get a VSAT Replacement Plan Fast
- Replace outdated or unsupported VSAT systems
- Upgrade to faster, more reliable Yacht Internet
- Reuse compatible onboard equipment where possible
- Designed for your vessel size, usage, and cruising area
👉 Get a VSAT replacement plan (15-minute call)
https://marinedatasolutions.com/contact/
Fort Lauderdale install base • Located inside Safe Harbor Lauderdale Marine Center • 24/7 support
If Your Yacht Has Viasat-Branded VSAT Hardware, Start Here
Many yachts are still operating legacy Viasat VSAT systems that were designed around GEO satellite architecture.
Important:
This legacy Viasat-branded yacht VSAT offering is no longer supported through our program as a long-term solution, and most existing systems are not cost-effective to maintain or upgrade.
If you’re experiencing:
- Slow speeds
- High latency
- Expensive airtime
- Service instability
…it’s time to move to a modern hybrid system.
For reference on provider updates:
Viasat corporate maritime updates (link to dev insert)
What Parts Can Usually Be Reused
Every vessel is different, but in most VSAT replacement projects:
Sometimes reusable:
- Existing cabling (depending on condition and routing)
- Rack space and power systems
- Internal network components
Typically replaced:
- VSAT antenna (GEO antenna systems are not compatible with LEO systems)
- Modems and below-deck units
- Legacy network control hardware
If your system includes an onboard marine network router, we will evaluate whether it can integrate into a modern multi-WAN setup:
https://marinedatasolutions.com/marine-network-router/
Recommended Replacement Architecture (LEO + LTE/5G + Multi-WAN Router)
The current standard for reliable Yacht Internet is a hybrid system:
1. LEO Satellite (Starlink or equivalent)
- High-speed offshore connectivity
- Low latency vs GEO VSAT
- Ideal for streaming, video calls, and operations
2. LTE / 5G Nearshore Connectivity
- Faster speeds near land
- Lower cost per GB
- Automatic failover and load balancing
3. Multi-WAN Marine Network Router
- Seamless switching between networks
- No dropped sessions when changing sources
- Intelligent traffic management
This architecture eliminates the biggest weaknesses of legacy VSAT systems.
Migration Checklist (What We Need From You)
To build an accurate VSAT replacement plan, send:
- Vessel length
- Current internet sources (VSAT, LTE, Starlink, etc.)
- Current VSAT hardware model
- Number of onboard users
- Cruising locations (Florida, Bahamas, Caribbean, Med, etc.)
👉 Send hardware photos for a same-day replacement recommendation
https://marinedatasolutions.com/contact/
Why Most Yacht Owners Are Replacing VSAT
Legacy GEO VSAT systems were built for a different era.
Common issues today:
- High monthly airtime costs
- Slower speeds vs modern systems
- High latency (affects calls, VPNs, streaming)
- Limited scalability
Modern hybrid systems solve:
- Speed limitations
- Coverage gaps
- Network reliability issues
- Cost inefficiencies
FAQs
Can I reuse my existing Viasat VSAT antenna and below-deck hardware?
No, in all cases, upgrading from Viasat to Starlink will require different hardware. Send your current model and photos and we’ll confirm what can be reused vs replaced.
What do you need to build a replacement plan?
Vessel length, current internet sources, current VSAT model, typical user count, and where you cruise (Florida, Bahamas, Caribbean, etc.).
Stop Spending Money on Outdated VSAT Systems
If your current system is underperforming or no longer viable, the solution is not another GEO VSAT contract.
It’s a properly designed hybrid Yacht Internet system built for how boats operate today.
👉 Get a VSAT replacement plan (15-minute call)
https://marinedatasolutions.com/contact/
