[SatNews] In the eyes of National Marine Electronics Association (NMEA) members, the best maritime communications product is the TracPhone(r) V7 from KVH Industries, Inc. (Nasdaq:KVHI).

This honor comes the same week the U.S. Coast Guard selected the TracPhone V7 and mini-VSAT Broadband(sm) as its primary satellite communications solution. 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 compared to competing services.

The compact TracVision(r) M1 satellite TV system from KVH was also honored by NMEA members this year. Bringing home KVH's 13th consecutive Industry Award in the entertainment category, the system was lauded for its easy, single-cable installation and innovative design. Weighing just 7.5 lbs., the in-motion TracVision M1 is the world's smallest and lightest satellite TV system for boats. It offers the solid tracking and in-motion performance typically associated with larger antennas, while fitting the sleek exterior design of vessels as small as 20 feet. The TracVision M1's small size, easy setup, Whisper Drive™ motor technology, and versatile mounting options mean that installation can be customized to meet the needs of just about any boater, on any vessel.