KVH TracPhones to Bring Global Internet Service to Mariners via Inmarsat FleetBroadband

Rugged TracPhone FB250 and FB500 systems offer simultaneous voice and broadband data using Inmarsat's FleetBroadband maritime service 


MIDDLETOWN, R.I., Oct. 25  /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The safe operation of a vessel, up-to-date navigational data, crew morale, the requirements of business in the 21st century - they all demand powerful, real-time communications wherever mariners cruise. Thanks to Inmarsat's forthcoming FleetBroadband service and the new TracPhone(R) FB250 and FB500 systems from KVH Industries, Inc., (NASDAQ:KVHI), introduced today at the Ft. Lauderdale International Boat Show, mariners worldwide will enjoy enhanced data performance and outstanding voice service all in a compact, cost-effective package.

"Our new FleetBroadband-compatible TracPhone systems offer the flexibility boaters need for superior communications at sea while expanding our industry- leading maritime data solutions to the global stage," explained Ian Palmer, KVH's executive vice president of satellite sales. "Fast, affordable connections to the office and home are critical to success aboard ship, whether it's a leisure yacht or a commercial vessel. FleetBroadband will provide constant, simultaneous access to voice and high-speed data services so you can send and receive e-mail with large attachments, run complex data applications, access corporate networks, and enjoy crystal-clear calls more affordably than ever before with a global service.

"At the same time, our new KVH TracPhone FB250 and FB500 antenna systems offer not only powerful communications tools, but also the convenience of a simple installation. Each antenna includes a choice of two dome sizes to match our award-winning TracVision(R) M-series satellite TV systems, plus a common below-decks unit and a versatile IP telephone handset for easy system setup and use."

The TracPhone FB250 and FB500 offer KVH's trademark commercial-grade design and fully stabilized operation. The TracPhone FB250 is the perfect solution for owners of leisure craft and small commercial vessels worldwide and is available in two sizes: a 12" high compact dome, or a 21" high dome to match the TracVision M5 satellite TV system. By comparison, the TracPhone FB500 is designed to meet the specific needs of large commercial vessels and luxury yachts, offering the fastest data rates possible with Inmarsat's FleetBroadband service and a choice of two dome sizes: a 27" high dome to match the TracVision M7, or a 39" high dome that's a perfect match for the TracVision M9. All offer full compatibility with Inmarsat's newest satellite network.

"FleetBroadband was developed to meet the growing demand, from a wide range of maritime users, for enhanced data capabilities and IP-based services," said Piers Cunningham, head of maritime services at Inmarsat. "We have seen a rapidly increasing reliance on data among our user base, and we have responded with an innovative new service.  It is part of our strategy to keep pushing the boundaries, and to develop new services that are faster, smaller, cheaper and more accessible. We have had tremendous success with the Fleet service, with sustained growth since its introduction, and it gives us a very strong platform from which to launch FleetBroadband later this year."

Supported by the Inmarsat-4 satellites, the most advanced commercial satellites ever launched, FleetBroadband is the first maritime communications service to provide cost-effective broadband Internet and voice connections at the same time. This versatile service, which will be commercially available beginning November 19, 2007, offers a range of capabilities and options to suit almost any need, including:

  -- Standard IP up to 432 Kbps for e-mail, Internet and connections to
     company networks
  -- Streaming IP for guaranteed data rates up to 256 Kbps on demand
  -- Voice connections available even as you are enjoying high-speed data
     access
  -- ISDN for data connections at 64 Kbps (TracPhone FB500 only)
  -- SMS for easy, inexpensive text messaging (up to 160 characters)



FleetBroadband uses the advanced capabilities of the Inmarsat-4 satellite network. There are currently two Inmarsat-4 satellites in orbit, located over the Indian Ocean and Atlantic Ocean. Inmarsat has recently announced plans to launch the third Inmarsat-4 satellite - expected to launch between March and April 2008 - which will complete the global coverage for the FleetBroadband service.

Visit http://www.tracphone.com/ for complete details about the TracPhone FB250 and FB500 as well as the FleetBroadband service and Inmarsat Airtime from KVH.

About KVH Industries, Inc.

Middletown, RI-based KVH Industries, Inc., is a leading provider of in- motion satellite TV and communication systems, having designed, manufactured, and sold more than 125,000 mobile satellite antennas for applications on boats, RVs, trucks, buses, and automobiles. Winner of the prestigious General Motors Innovative Design Award, 2 CES Innovation Awards, 23 National Marine Electronics Association Industry Awards, the DAME Award in the Marine Electronics category, and a finalist for the Automotive News PACE Award, KVH's mission is to connect mobile customers with the same digital television entertainment, communications, and Internet services that they enjoy in their home 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; and customer preferences, requirements and expectations. The actual results could differ materially. Factors that may cause such differences include, among others, our dependence on the availability of third-party satellites, which face significant operational risks and could fail earlier than their expected useful lives, for our mobile satellite communication services, and 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, TracVision, 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/

http://www.tracphone.com/ 

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