KVH TracPhone FleetBroadband Systems Enhanced with Emergency Call Service

New "505" service from Inmarsat provides KVH FleetBroadband satellite phone users a new way to spell "SOS"


MIDDLETOWN, R.I., Sept. 28  /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Over 100 years ago, seafarers in peril took advantage of communications technology to call for help, using their radio telegraph equipment to tap out the familiar "S O S" call for help. On October 1, 2009, a new safety service for mariners - 505 Emergency Calling - will be launched across the world by Inmarsat, the leading provider of global mobile satellite communications, for all FleetBroadband users. Owners of Inmarsat FleetBroadband-compatible TracPhone® satellite communications systems from KVH Industries, Inc., (NASDAQ:KVHI) can take advantage immediately when the service goes live on October 1, 2009 because KVH's full line of Inmarsat FleetBroadband systems are 100% compatible with the new, no-charge 505 service. Just by dialing 505 from their TracPhone telephones, users can activate the 24-hour service, which routes calls directly to Coast Guard rescue centers worldwide.

"The new 505 service is a fantastic enhancement for our TracPhone FleetBroadband customers," says Jim Dodez, KVH's vice president of marketing and strategic planning. "Particularly for smaller vessels that do not carry a GMDSS-compliant system, 505 is ideal. It's easy to remember because of its similarity to "SOS," and connects mariners directly to top-notch emergency services wherever they are - even when out of reach of shore-based VHF radio. Of course, it's a great backup for larger commercial vessels, as well. We couldn't be happier to make this valuable service available to our Inmarsat FleetBroadband customers."

KVH's complete line of Inmarsat FleetBroadband-compatible TracPhone systems offer mariners the ultimate in safety and convenience, no matter what kind of vessel they own. The TracPhone FB150, FB250, and FB500 offer the trusted reliability of Inmarsat's proven satellite network, along with KVH's industry-leading quality and service.

There is no subscription or call charge for the 505 emergency service - and it can be activated immediately just by dialing 505 from a KVH TracPhone FleetBroadband system. After dialing 505, voice calls will be connected via Inmarsat directly to a 24-hour operational Coast Guard Rescue Co-ordination Center located strategically around the globe, so they can speak to the right person if they have an emergency onboard, such as their boat being in difficulties or a medical emergency.

Please visit http://www.tracphone.com/ to learn more about KVH's TracPhone systems and the FleetBroadband service.

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 and offices.

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-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, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective companies. 

DATASOURCE: KVH Industries, Inc.



CONTACT:  Chris Watson of KVH Industries, [phone],





Web Site:  http://www.kvh.com/ 

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