KVH mini-VSAT Broadband Network Marks 2-Year Anniversary for Maritime Service
26 October 2009 - 10:30PM
PR Newswire (US)
Groundbreaking Ku-band mobile broadband satellite communications
network expanding worldwide; more than 500 TracPhone V7 systems
shipped MIDDLETOWN, R.I., Oct. 26 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Two
years ago this month, a remarkable new solution for maritime
two-way satellite communications launched its live operations for
commercial and leisure mariners. With true broadband speeds,
significant cost savings, and complete integration with the world's
first 24-inch diameter marine VSAT antenna, the mini-VSAT
Broadband(SM) network from KVH Industries, Inc., (NASDAQ:KVHI) is
rapidly becoming the day-to-day communication solution for vessels
worldwide. Among the first people to add the TracPhone® V7 and the
mini-VSAT Broadband service to his vessel was Robert Stein,
president of VIP Yachts and owner of the 130 ft motor yacht
Sojourn. Two years later, he and his crew continue to enjoy the
benefits. "The TracPhone V7 and mini-VSAT Broadband have been a
great improvement over our prior service. They offer a great crew
benefit, because our crew can use the Internet and voice services
to stay in touch with their loved ones," Stein explained. "We are
extremely excited to mark the two-year anniversary of the mini-VSAT
Broadband network and thank customers like Mr. Stein and the
hundreds of mariners and ship operators who are helping to make
mini-VSAT Broadband among the fastest growing maritime
communications solutions available," said Martin Kits van
Heyningen, KVH's president and chief executive officer. "Together
with ViaSat, we set out to offer maritime, aeronautical, and other
mobile customers an entirely new approach to broadband service on
the move. Our fully integrated solution offers compelling
advantages that vessel owners appreciate, which is why we've
managed to become one of the world's top maritime VSAT service
providers in only two years." The mini-VSAT Broadband service,
along with the KVH TracPhone V7 antenna, comprise the first
end-to-end 24-inch VSAT hardware, service, and support package
available for maritime communications. Together, KVH and ViaSat are
offering voice service and Internet access as fast as 512 Kbps
(upload) and 2 Mbps (download) at fixed monthly rates to mariners
as well as network coverage to the ViaSat Yonder(SM) mobile
broadband service, and others who want to stay connected with
high-speed mobile networking. Among the latest to make the move to
mini-VSAT Broadband is Clipper Group. Explaining why they made the
change, Michael Mark, Clipper's vessel IT manager, said, "We chose
the TracPhone V7 antenna and mini-VSAT Broadband service for their
ability to provide affordable voice calls, intranet capabilities,
and crew services. We are utilizing the system for remote support
as well, which in the long run will result in significant savings
... Over time, we will save a lot on support resources, since most
support functions can be performed remotely with the TracPhone V7.
We recently reinstalled a communication computer onboard, through
which all of our main software is installed remotely by staff on
shore. We expect that we will save a significant amount on travel
as we implement this remote process." Major Milestones During
mini-VSAT Broadband's First Two Years -- Operating a fully
integrated hardware, network, and service solution that is the
first to offer a 24-inch VSAT antenna and ViaSat's patented
ArcLight® spread spectrum technology -- Supplying broadband and
voice service for every key maritime region operational or under
contract, with the exception of South America, satellite coverage
for which is currently in development -- Managing a network
currently supported by seven secure earth stations around the
globe, together with seven of the world's most powerful
communications satellites -- Shipped more than 500 TracPhone V7s
for use on vessels worldwide, representing almost 10% of the
installed base of maritime VSAT system based on estimates in the
"2008 Maritime VSAT Markets Report" published by COMSYS -- Offering
vessels operators a convenient and affordable means of
strengthening crew morale by offering an integrated crew calling
option -- Adding the versatility of GSM cell phones to maritime
operations through a new agreement with On-Waves to offer picocell
technology compatible with mini-VSAT Broadband for use on
commercial and leisure vessels Visit http://www.minivsat.com/ for
additional details regarding the TracPhone V7 and mini-VSAT
Broadband service along with maps illustrating the current and
planned coverage for mini-VSAT Broadband service. Note to Editors:
Press-ready images of KVH's TracPhone V7 are available at
http://press.kvh.com/ for download and editorial use. About KVH
Industries, Inc. Middletown, RI-based KVH Industries, Inc., and its
wholly owned subsidiary, KVH Europe A/S, are leading providers of
in-motion satellite TV and communications systems, having designed,
manufactured, and sold more than 150,000 mobile satellite antennas
for applications on vessels, vehicles, and aircraft. KVH's mission
is to connect mobile customers around the globe with the same
digital television entertainment, communications, and Internet
services that they enjoy in their homes. This release contains
forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties.
Forward-looking statements include, for example, the service
rollout plans, the functionality, characteristics, quality and
performance of KVH's products and technology; anticipated
innovation and product development; and customer demand,
preferences, requirements and expectations. The actual results
could differ materially. Factors that may cause such differences
include, among others, the successful launch and deployment of new
satellites; uncertainty about the scope of customer demand; the
potential inability to secure the licenses necessary for the
network; risks associated with the delivery or performance of
critical hardware; changes in the costs and capabilities of
competing offerings; and those other risk factors discussed in
KVH's most recent Form 10-Q filed with the SEC. KVH does not assume
any obligation to update its forward-looking statements to reflect
new information or developments. KVH and TracPhone are registered
trademarks of KVH Industries. "mini-VSAT Broadband" is a service
mark of KVH Industries. All other trademarks are the property of
their respective companies. Available Topic Expert(s): For
information on the listed expert(s), click appropriate link. Brent
Bruun:
https://profnet.prnewswire.com/Subscriber/ExpertProfile.aspx?ei=85214
DATASOURCE: KVH Industries, Inc. CONTACT: Chris Watson of KVH
Industries, +1-401-845-8138, Web Site: http://www.kvh.com/
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