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Technology Stocks : KVH Industries, Inc. -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: nissan who wrote (6957)	2/5/2018 2:47:14 PM
From: awecr2	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 7249

This is getting into the weeds a little bit but thought I would share some info on the new HTS product. First, it appears that KVH uses a serial number system based on the year of the product. Based on this numbering system, it does appear they have been offering an HTS ready product since the beginning of 2017 and in particular for the initial rollout of CaaS in the 2nd quarter. What that means is upgrading is very easy with just a changeout of the ICM for all new v7 sales last year. Anything prior to 2017 will require changing hardware at the dish, as well. The reason I even mention this is that I’ve been wondering why they would continue to offer the V7-ip. Knowing all of these systems offered under the Agileplans can be upgraded quickly, it now makes more sense. Second, the new HTS based ICM has a dedicated 2nd receiving LNB connection. This was not the case with the ICM prior to HTS rollout. The reason this is significant is it suggests one of several possible scenarios. The 1st and more exciting prospect is that it will be used for dedicated expansion of ip-mobilecast. The 2nd prospect is that it will be used for a dedicated receiving channel for c-band. I think this is less likely because one would think they would have a 2nd dedicated transmit LNB connection, as well. It doesn’t appear that’s the case. This 2nd LNB connection could be used for live TV. Ip-mobilecast has been a disappointment so far. I think it’s primarily because of the lack of live TV channels. If they can offer this over the same two-way antenna, dedicated live tv antennas are toast. Clearly, KVH makes a couple million per quarter in sales of tracvision. But they don’t generate any reoccurring revenues from these much cheaper antennas. If they end up offering their own live tv services on a global scale, they can quickly grab market share and accelerate reoccurring revenue streams. This is obviously pure speculation but the 2nd receiving LNB is there for a reason and it’s not being used for the 2nd unlimited channel in the V7-HTS Agileplan. The one thing that doesn’t line up with this theory is that it appears the V7-HTS antenna doesn’t have a 2nd receiving LNB connection. That suggests a 3rd possible scenario where a 2nd receive only antenna is connected to the ICM? There is also a removable plate on the back of the new ICM. It could be for servicing or intentionally on the ICM to temporarily block ports for future services. Not sure since there isn’t anything in the installation guide to suggest future upgrades. Anybody have any thoughts on this? Aw