Shipping and offshore oil and gas operators need ever-increasing bandwidth both for enterprise operations as well as for crew morale and welfare. With its smaller size, broadband data rates, Voice over IP phone connections, and substantially lower hardware and airtime service costs, the new TracPhone V7 from KVH Industries is an outstanding solution for commercial communications.

    Recognizing the growing interest from commercial maritime operators and their unique operational needs, KVH announced today the launch of a new leasing program for the TracPhone V7. With a 36-month lease and an extended 36-month warranty, commercial TracPhone V7 owners will now be able to treat the TracPhone V7 as an operating expense at very reasonable interest rates. The TracPhone V7, a rugged, 24 inch antenna, delivers mini-VSAT Broadband service with data rates as fast as 2 Mbps shore-to-ship and 512 Kbps ship-to-shore.

    Now you can rely on broadband at sea the way it was meant to be thanks to the revolutionary TracPhone V7 with mini-VSAT Broadband service, the newest, most affordable option in marine communications. It’s the ideal way for you, your passengers, and your crew to stay connected with the same high-quality broadband data connections you use onshore. In fact, mini-VSAT Broadband creates a “cable modem” experience at sea while offering great coverage, outstanding network traffic management, and consistent performance. The result? You get exactly what you expect with regard to service speeds, reliability, and unlimited access, all for much less than what you’re used to paying.

    Any customer leasing a TracPhone V7 can also bundle any of KVH's Inmarsat-compatible TracPhones or TracVision satellite TV systems into the lease for a comprehensive communications and entertainment solution. A fraction of the size of standard 1-meter VSAT systems, the TracPhone V7 offers easy connections to shipboard networks, fully stabilized tracking, and a significant reduction in hardware and installation costs, without compromising performance.

    This advanced solution equips vessels with the capability to easily send and receive manifests, access company networks, download chart updates, and use the enhanced VoIP telephone service to help crew members stay in touch with their loved ones. KVH's breadth of products and services is an advantage for the company's customers, explained Palmer. "Our ability to offer a comprehensive package of satellite communications and satellite TV hardware and services along with a global dealer network is a tremendous plus to commercial customers. Our commercial-grade TracVision systems and the benefits for real-time news and crew entertainment are very appealing."