MIDDLETOWN, R.I., April 27, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- KVH Industries, Inc., (Nasdaq:KVHI) today announced two key developments for its new TracPhone® V3 satellite communications system and mini-VSAT BroadbandSM network. The first shipments of the TracPhone V3, the smallest Ku-band maritime VSAT antenna in the world at just 14.5'' (37 cm) in diameter, left KVH's factory yesterday and will arrive at its first owners' vessels complete with commercial license authority from the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The new license builds upon KVH's existing earth station onboard vessel or ESV license for the mini-VSAT Broadband satellite communications service and KVH's 24'' (60 cm) TracPhone V7 antenna. These developments represent the latest milestones in the joint effort of KVH and ViaSat, Inc., (Nasdaq:VSAT) to provide affordable mobile broadband connectivity to mariners around the globe.
"This approval for the TracPhone V3 means that all mini-VSAT Broadband subscribers can enjoy 100% FCC-approved, licensed service regardless of which TracPhone antenna they choose," says Martin Kits van Heyningen, KVH's chief executive officer. "KVH's legal team has worked diligently with countries around the world to ensure that our mini-VSAT Broadband network meets or exceeds their national requirements, and receiving an FCC ESV license for the TracPhone V3 is an integral part of that ongoing effort. Mariners now have an outstanding new option for an ultra-compact SATCOM solution that is far more affordable and faster than L-band services like Inmarsat."
A senior FCC employee familiar with the ESV licensing rules commented on the approval of the TracPhone V3 and its use with the integrated mini-VSAT Broadband network, stating, "This is precisely the type of end-to-end system that the FCC contemplated when we drafted the ESV rules."
KVH and ViaSat make this award-winning global service possible using ViaSat's revolutionary ArcLight® spread spectrum technology, which enables very small terminals to receive high-speed data. The small equipment is a valuable benefit to a wide variety of maritime industries because it is easy and inexpensive to install and activate. KVH's mini-VSAT Broadband network is extremely attractive to operators in these industries because it is a unified global network. Plus, the power of ArcLight technology enables KVH to offer the most attractive airtime packages currently available, including simple, straightforward metered service at just $0.49 per minute for voice calls worldwide and $0.99 per megabyte at the fastest speeds available on the network.
The mini-VSAT Broadband network is the first next-generation maritime satellite communications solution. The global spread spectrum satellite network, built with ViaSat's patented ArcLight technology, offers more affordable airtime, voice service and Internet access as fast as 2 Mbps. KVH's compact family of mini-VSAT Broadband-compatible TracPhone antennas are more affordable and faster and easier to install than competing solutions. More than 1,000 TracPhone V7 systems have been shipped in the three years since the product's introduction, making the mini-VSAT Broadband network the world's fastest growing maritime VSAT solution. KVH's mini-VSAT Broadband customers include the U.S. Coast Guard and leading commercial shipping companies like Nordic Tankers, Mowinckel, and Vroon.
Please visit www.minivsat.com for complete details about KVH's TracPhone V3, V7, and the global mini-VSAT Broadband network.
Note to Editors: High-resolution, press-ready images of KVH's TracPhone V3 and V7 are available at http://press.kvh.com for download and editorial use.
About KVH Industries, Inc.
KVH Industries, Inc., and its subsidiaries are leading providers of in-motion satellite TV and communication 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 and offices. The company is based in Middletown, RI, with facilities in Illinois, Denmark, Norway, and Singapore.
This release may contain certain forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements include, for example, the functionality, characteristics, quality and performance of KVH's products and technology; anticipated innovation and product development; and customer preferences, requirements and expectations. The actual results could differ materially. Factors that may cause such differences include, among others, those discussed in KVH's most recent Form 10-K 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, Inc. "mini-VSAT Broadband" is a service mark of KVH Industries, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective companies.