Two years ago this month, a remarkable new solution for maritime two-way satellite communications launched its live operations for commercial and leisure mariners. With true broadband speeds, significant cost savings, and complete integration with the world's first 24-inch diameter marine VSAT antenna, the mini-VSAT Broadbandsm network from KVH Industries is rapidly becoming the day-to-day communication solution for vessels worldwide.

Among the first people to add the TracPhone V7 and the mini-VSAT Broadband service to his vessel was Robert Stein, president of VIP Yachts and owner of the 130 ft motor yacht Sojourn. Two years later, he and his crew continue to enjoy the benefits.

"The TracPhone V7 and mini-VSAT Broadband have been a great improvement over our prior service. They offer a great crew benefit, because our crew can use the Internet and voice services to stay in touch with their loved ones," Stein explained.

"We are extremely excited to mark the two-year anniversary of the mini-VSAT Broadband network and thank customers like Mr. Stein and the hundreds of mariners and ship operators who are helping to make mini-VSAT Broadband among the fastest growing maritime communications solutions available," said Martin Kits van Heyningen, KVH's president and chief executive officer.

"Together with ViaSat, we set out to offer maritime, aeronautical, and other mobile customers an entirely new approach to broadband service on the move. Our fully integrated solution offers compelling advantages that vessel owners appreciate, which is why we've managed to become one of the world's top maritime VSAT service providers in only two years."

The mini-VSAT Broadband service, along with the KVH TracPhone V7 antenna, comprise the first end-to-end 24-inch VSAT hardware, service, and support package available for maritime communications.

Together, KVH and ViaSat are offering voice service and Internet access as fast as 512 Kbps (upload) and 2 Mbps (download) at fixed monthly rates to mariners as well as network coverage to the ViaSat Yondersm mobile broadband service, and others who want to stay connected with high-speed mobile networking.

Among the latest to make the move to mini-VSAT Broadband is Clipper Group. Explaining why they made the change, Michael Mark, Clipper's vessel IT manager, said, "We chose the TracPhone V7 antenna and mini-VSAT Broadband service for their ability to provide affordable voice calls, intranet capabilities, and crew services. We are utilizing the system for remote support as well, which in the long run will result in significant savings...Over time, we will save a lot on support resources, since most support functions can be performed remotely with the TracPhone V7. We recently reinstalled a communication computer onboard, through which all of our main software is installed remotely by staff on shore. We expect that we will save a significant amount on travel as we implement this remote process."

Major Milestones During mini-VSAT Broadband's First Two Years
Operating a fully integrated hardware, network, and service solution that is the first to offer a 24-inch VSAT antenna and ViaSat's patented ArcLight spread spectrum technology

Supplying broadband and voice service with every key maritime region operational or under contract, with the exception of South America, satellite coverage for which is currently in development

Managing a network currently supported by seven secure earth stations around the globe, together with seven of the world's most powerful communications satellites

Shipped more than 500 TracPhone V7s for use on vessels worldwide, representing almost 10% of the installed base of maritime VSAT system based on estimates in the "2008 Maritime VSAT Markets Report" published by COMSYS

Offering vessels operators a convenient and affordable means of strengthening crew morale by offering an integrated crew calling option

Adding the versatility of GSM cell phones to maritime operations through a new agreement with On-Waves to offer picocell technology compatible with mini-VSAT Broadband for use on commercial and leisure vessels.