KVH (News - Alert) Industries, a source of in-motion satellite TV and communications systems, has added global C-band coverage to the mini-VSAT Broadband network and launched its dual-mode, 1-meter TracPhone V11 C/Ku-band terminal.

"Earlier this summer, we completed the rollout of our mini-VSAT Broadband service, which uses three global C-band satellite transponders to overlay the coverage of our worldwide Ku-band network to provide a fully global, unified broadband service," said Martin Kits van Heyningen, chief executive officer at KVH.

"Our dual-mode TracPhone V11 will access our global network, seamlessly switching between C- and Ku-band services, to deliver fast, affordable maritime VSAT connectivity almost anywhere on Earth. Our unified solution matches the coverage of legacy L-band services such as Inmarsat (News - Alert) FleetBroadband while offering data speeds that are up to 10 times faster at about 1/10th the price," Heyningen added.

KVH official also mentioned that the new TracPhone V11 antenna is 85 percent smaller than those of older global C-band VSAT systems. It also comes with the ability to automatically switch to Ku-band service and the mini-VSAT Broadband network's extensive Ku-band coverage.

This feature allows the TracPhone V11 escape limitations imposed by regulations restricting the use of C-band maritime terminals near coastal nations.


TracPhone V11. Image via KVH Industries (News - Alert)

In July 2012, the TracPhone V11 was granted full U.S. Federal Communications Commission approval, including a first-time special provision allowing the dual-band system to be used on vessels smaller than 300 gross tons.

For the vessel owner's IT manager, the TracPhone V11 is noted to offer extensive functionality to help manage onboard networks remotely. The system itself is very easy for the crew to operate thanks to an outstanding Web browser-based user interface, which includes an iPhone (News - Alert) app.

The end-to-end design of the TracPhone V11 enables the system software to be updated over the air using either the mini-VSAT Broadband service or cellular service using a GPRS modem built into the system's antenna. This remote access enables technicians working in KVH's support center to remotely diagnose and troubleshoot any issues through industry leading 24/7/365 support.

The KVH mini-VSAT Broadband service has reportedly become the world's most widely used maritime VSAT solution.

KVH also recently launched its TracPhone V7-IP. Back in June 2012, KVH named Andesat S.A., a provider of satellite communications in the Andean region of South America, a reseller for its mini-VSAT Broadband service and TracPhone V-series satellite communications systems.

KVH is planning to display its new TracPhone V11 terminal at the Shipbuilding, Machinery, and Marine Technology international trade fair held in Hamburg, Germany from September 4-7.

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