[SatNews] Filling in a major new region in its worldwide satellite communications network, KVH Industries, Inc., (Nasdaq: KVHI) has signed an agreement with Star One to support mini-VSAT Broadband(sm) coverage for Brazil and its offshore waters.

Supported via the Star One C-1 satellite, the new service region is expected to go live in the fall of 2010, providing mini-VSAT Broadband service for commercial and leisure mariners, the expanding Brazilian offshore oil and gas fields, and network coverage to the ViaSat Yonder® in-flight broadband network for business and commercial aircraft. The mini-VSAT Broadband network was designed from the ground up to be the first next-generation 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 compared to competing services.