New KVH Tracphone F55 Offers Powerful Satellite Communications In Small Package
Wednesday February 12, 9:15 am ET
Provides Global Communication and High-speed Internet Connections to Mariners Worldwide via Inmarsat Fleet Service
MIDDLETOWN, R.I., Feb. 12 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/-- Tomorrow at the 2003 Miami International Boat Show, North American mariners will be introduced to KVH Industries' (Nasdaq: KVHI - News) newest high-powered satellite communications system: the Tracphone F55. The compact Tracphone F55 uses the new Inmarsat Fleet service to offer leisure and small commercial vessels outstanding voice connections worldwide and high-speed data and Internet connections over 90 percent of marine cruising routes, shipping lanes, and all of the most popular maritime regions around the globe.
"Thanks to its global voice capabilities and versatile, high-speed Internet connections, the Tracphone F55 is a powerful addition to any vessel's onboard communication resources," said Ian Palmer, KVH vice president of satellite sales. "Tracphone F55 is a valuable addition to our satellite communications portfolio, making Inmarsat's dynamic new Fleet service available to leisure boat owners and enabling mariners to create an affordable, comprehensive communications suite aboard their vessel. Whether it is by a phone call, fax, e-mail, or Internet, Tracphone F55 connects KVH customers to their homes, loved ones, and businesses virtually anywhere they travel."
Tracphone F55 is fully compatible with the new Fleet service, which was launched with the larger, more powerful Fleet F77 product in early 2002. High- quality voice and fax connections are made possible via Fleet's global service coverage. In addition, Tracphone F55 can switch between two other channels - Mobile Packet Data Service (MPDS) and mobile Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) - to meet a variety of communication needs while providing the most cost-effective options available. These services are provided using Inmarsat's powerful spot beam technology, which covers all of the most popular maritime areas and 90 percent of the world's cruising lanes. Tracphone F55 will also be fully compatible with Inmarsat's next generation satellites scheduled for launch in 2005, ensuring that a mariner's investment in communications today will continue to pay dividends in the future.
Designed for short-burst data transmissions, MPDS is perfect for receiving e-mail, logging onto and working within a company intranet, or browsing the web. And with its "pay per bit" pricing, users are charged only for the amount of the data sent and received, not by connection time. As a result, a vessel can remain connected via e-mail or the Internet 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at no additional cost, making maritime Internet access a far more relaxing experience. The high-capacity mobile ISDN channel provides a constant data stream at speeds as fast as 64 Kbps, making it ideal for phone and fax service, video conferencing, and transmitting large files and images. ISDN usage is charged on a per-minute basis. Fleet F55, along with Inmarsat's other satellite communications services, is available directly from KVH Industries.
"KVH can equip customers with a complete and convenient satellite communications solution that brings together our award-winning satellite antenna systems with Inmarsat's market-leading global communications services," continued Palmer. "By offering 'Inmarsat Airtime from KVH' and award-winning Tracphone systems, KVH is the only 'one-stop shopping' company in the mobile satellite communications industry, enabling us to provide comprehensive customer support and service."
With its fully stabilized 22 inch (55 cm) antenna and high-impact 26 inch (66 cm) dome, Tracphone F55 is ideal for smaller vessels and a perfect match for KVH's TracVision G6/6 line of satellite TV systems. The Tracphone F55 package includes the antenna, a transceiver, and a telephone handset and cradle. The system's transceiver serves as the hub for all on-line communication via the ship's telephone networks and fax machines. Connected to an IP router, Tracphone F55 can link all shipboard computers to on-shore web- based systems, including e-mail and Internet services.
Complete details of the Tracphone F55 system along with high-resolution, press-ready images of the antenna are available on the company's award-winning web site, www.KVH.com.
KVH Industries, Inc., designs and manufactures products that enable mobile communications, navigation, and precision pointing through the use of its proprietary mobile satellite antenna and fiber optic technologies. The company is developing next-generation systems with greater precision, durability, and versatility for communications, navigation, and industrial applications. An ISO 9001-registered company, KVH has U.S. headquarters in Rhode Island, with a fiber optic manufacturing facility in Illinois, and a European sales, marketing, and support office in Hoersholm, Denmark.
KVH Industries Contact:
Chris Watson, Communications Coordinator
401-847-3327 cwatson@kvh.com
Investor Relations Contact:
Phil Davidson or Jolinda Taylor
FD Morgen-Walke 617-747-3600
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Source: KVH Industries, Inc. |
