....the first-ever, fully global, seamless broadband satellite communications service for the maritime market. Under the agreement, KVH will offer an integrated service package that combines its mini-VSAT Broadband(sm) service and the Iridium OpenPort® broadband service. The combined offering will deliver the maritime industry the first seamless, truly global, broadband connectivity, helping mariners connect in ways never before thought possible.
The integrated shipboard system will use common below-deck user interface equipment for voice and data connections, combining the Iridium OpenPort and KVH TracPhone® V3 or V7 terminals. KVH's CommBox™ shipboard network management tool automatically selects the mini-VSAT Broadband service or the Iridium OpenPort service using intelligent least-cost routing software. If mini-VSAT Broadband service is ever unavailable, the system immediately switches over to the Iridium OpenPort service without operator intervention. The Iridium OpenPort connection can also serve as a means to access the mini-VSAT Broadband terminal remotely as well as other shipboard maintenance and calibration equipment.
KVH's TracPhone V3 and V7 platforms, based on KVH's RingFire™ technology, offer robust and reliable download speeds up to 2Mbps and clear voice connections through the world's smallest stabilized VSAT antenna. Combined with Iridium OpenPort's proven reliability and global coverage, it delivers a best-in-class communications solution. The integrated maritime service will be fully supported by Iridium's next-generation satellite constellation, which is scheduled to be deployed starting in early 2015.