KVH Introduces Breakthrough Dual-Band Maritime VSAT Solution With Global Coverage

 

 

Feb 1, 2012

 

KVH Industries, Inc., announced a major upgrade to its mini-VSAT Broadband(SM) network with the addition of global C-band satellite coverage overlaying its Ku-band footprint. This first-of-a-kind, unified dual-band maritime satellite communications network will provide multi-megabit service covering 95% of the Earth's surface, including all of the world's major shipping routes, offshore oil fields, and commercial fishing grounds. It will be the first next-generation global VSAT network using a single, relatively small antenna to provide offshore connectivity to vessels almost anywhere they travel.

 

Along with the enhanced satellite coverage, KVH also introduced the TracPhone(R) V11 satellite communications system, a revolutionary new onboard terminal that uses a single, stabilized antenna with a unique dual-band transmit and receive capability to seamlessly switch between the mini-VSAT Broadband network's global C- and Ku-band satellite coverage. The TracPhone V11 system provides the same high-quality connectivity, including both voice and broadband data, regardless of the type of satellite connection.

 

"Our mini-VSAT Broadband network's new, global C-band overlay coverage offers our maritime customers the type of next-generation service they've needed to replace expensive legacy services and still provide the global coverage that they have not been able to get from stand-alone Ku-band maritime VSAT services," said KVH's CEO, Martin Kits van Heyningen. "The 1-meter TracPhone V11 antenna is smaller and lighter than most stand-alone Ku-band antennas, and more than 85% smaller and lighter than the gigantic 1,500 pound, 3.3 meter C-band domes used with older VSAT technology. The best part is that it's one system, not two different antennas like competing products. Further, the same below-decks modem is used for both the C- and Ku-band for a truly seamless and unified solution for the customer. Unlike hybrid systems that use different technologies, this is a pure VSAT solution delivering unified service and hardware that translates to higher quality data connections. IT managers don't have to contend with trying to use different networks with different latencies, IP settings, or protocols to run their onboard applications," he added.