...thanks to the global C-band coverage added to the mini-VSAT Broadband network and the introduction of the dual-mode, 1m TracPhone V11 C/Ku-band terminal. The new TracPhone V11 terminal is on display this week in KVH’s booth at the Shipbuilding, Machinery, and Marine Technology (SMM) international trade fair in Hamburg, Germany, September 4-7.

The TracPhone V11 antenna is 85 percent smaller than those of older global C-band VSAT systems. Due to its ability to automatically switch to Ku-band service and the mini-VSAT Broadband network’s extensive Ku-band coverage, the TracPhone V11 avoids limitations imposed by regulations restricting the use of C-band maritime terminals near coastal nations. In July 2012, the TracPhone V11 was granted full U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approval, including a first-time special provision allowing the dual-band system to be used on vessels smaller than 300 gross tons (the limit for competing U.S.-licensed maritime C-band systems).

The TracPhone V11 uses KVH’s new 3-axis antenna design that can track satellites anywhere in the sky and features fully integrated belowdecks equipment that includes the new IP-enabled antenna control unit—the CommBox-ACU—creating a complete, end-to-end solution for managing both IT functions and communications on board the vessel. The new system makes the advanced features of KVH’s best-of-breed network management solution, the CommBox Ship/Shore Network Manager, available to every TracPhone V11 customer, without the need to invest in additional hardware.