[SatNews] KVH has introduced several new airtime rate plans from KVH Industries, Inc., (Nasdaq: KVHI) — they include TracPhone(r) V7 hardware and mini-VSAT Broadband airtime bundle for only $995 per month, as well as a new seasonal rate plan for subscribers who don’t use their vessel on a year-round basis.

In contrast to KVH’s existing fixed-rate, speed-based plans, the new metered rate options permit commercial and leisure boaters to choose a service plan based on how much data they expect to use per month while getting the benefit of the fastest available network speeds at all times. The new metered pricing options also include a limited-time lease and airtime bundle that makes the TracPhone V7 hardware, mini-VSAT Broadband service, GlobalCare premium support program, and 100 MB of monthly data available for only $995 per month. KVH is also adding the flexibility of seasonal fixed-rate packages that will allow boaters to enjoy mini-VSAT Broadband on a seasonal basis for as little as three months of the year.

The mini-VSAT Broadband network was designed from the ground up to be the first nexgen maritime satellite communications solution. Offering service and performance superior to traditional maritime VSAT services through a global spread spectrum satellite network, it also includes the commercial-grade KVH TracPhone V7, the first FCC-approved 24-inch (60 cm) VSAT antenna. The seamless worldwide network is delivered by 11 satellite transponders and 8 secure earth stations and offers voice service and Internet access as fast as 512 Kbps (upload) and 2 Mbps (download) with significant cost savings.