...independent ship manager serving a fleet of more than 1,000 vessels, has selected the mini-VSAT Broadband(sm) service from KVH Industries, Inc., (Nasdaq:KVHI) as its preferred satellite communications solution. V.Ships intends to promote KVH's TracPhone® onboard terminals and the global mini-VSAT Broadband service to its customers through SeaCom Electronics Ltd., a fellow member of V.Group, V.Ships' parent company.
"Connecting ships with onshore networks offers exciting new ways to bring ship and shore-based operations closer together, to improve efficiencies, to manage operating expenses, and in general make a better onboard life for officers and crew," said Stephen MacFarlane, Information Systems Director at V.Ships. He stressed, "We plan to use the mini-VSAT Broadband network to deliver navigational, safety, and real time weather data, offer Internet cafe and VoIP calling to help further enhance crew morale, enable onshore technical experts to collaborate on repairs with their colleagues at sea, and to connect ships to onshore networks using 'ShipSure', our enterprise resource planning software developed by V.Ships."
The mini-VSAT Broadband service is unique in that it uses ArcLight® spread spectrum technology developed by KVH's satellite technology partner ViaSat (Nasdaq:VSAT). The service offers a broad seamless web of multi-megabit service created by 14 Ku-band satellite transponders, and will soon cover 95 percent of the Earth with overlayed coverage from three global C-band transponders. In most regions, vessels enjoy redundant coverage to assure robust connectivity. The spread spectrum technology enables use of antennas as small as 37cm for the Ku-band service and as small as 1m for the combined C/Ku-band coverage. KVH is the only maritime VSAT provider to manufacture its own fully integrated onboard terminal, own and operate a global VSAT network, and provide worldwide 24/7/365 after-sale support.
Installation and technical support for V.Ships' customers will be handled by SeaCom Electronics Ltd., a leading supplier of communication, navigation, and entertainment solutions for the merchant fleet including the cruise, ferry, and yacht industries. SeaCom will distribute KVH TracPhone satellite communications systems and the mini-VSAT Broadband service, as well as KVH's TracVision® satellite TV systems. KVH and V.Ships are currently making presentations to V.Ships customers, introducing them to the advantages of the mini-VSAT Broadband service. KVH Industries company information link.
