International VSAT customers are learning that Winegard Company’s WX980 and WX1200 VSAT systems with one-button satellite acquisition and controllers are certified for use in even more foreign countries. The latest international certifications in Mexico, Australia and New Zealand, Winegard’s VSAT equipment has met all electric, electronic and radio frequency standards required on four continents and more than 35 countries.

"Customer demand is driving our growing list of international product certifications, especially for oil and gas exploration customers," said Curt Schmidgall, Winegard’s International Product Manager for VSAT. "They like the fact that systems are very customizable, ruggedly constructed and can be set up without a trained technician in extreme and remote locations. That saves them time and money in the long run." Winegard has designed more than 1,000 different antenna models with over 60 U.S. patents granted.

Thousands of Winegard VSAT antenna systems and controllers are operational worldwide, including countries as diverse as Canada and Mexico, as well as India, Ecuador, Austria, France, Germany, Hungary, Algeria, Malaysia, Congo, Argentina, New Zealand, Australia, Egypt, Malaysia, Indonesia Brazil, Turkey and Pakistan.

To date, the VSAT units have received five certifications from Mexico (Mexico Homologation), Australia and New Zealand (C-TICK), the European Union (CE), the Commonwealth of Independent States comprised of the 12 nations of the former Soviet republics, including Russia (GOST-R), and the Peru MTC (Peru Homologation).

Winegard reseller Data Technology Solutions (DTS) has deployed hundreds of VSAT units. "DTS chose 200 Winegard VSAT systems for a global oil company because the company produces innovative, reliable products that they can customize to meet customer requirements in days instead of months, " said DTS President Mike Guidroz. "With the new certifications, these systems will appeal to even more companies."

Each satellite communication system would need to transmit and receive voice, data and video, as well as provide wireless broadband at the remote locations.