KVH Introduces Enhanced VoIP Service for mini-VSAT Broadband Network
By prioritizing phone service, this enhancement is designed to maintain the crystal-clear sound quality of mini-VSAT Broadband's VoIP service while also addressing the challenge that ship owners face in meeting increased onboard data usage. Maritime operators rely on broadband connectivity for everything from accessing email to utilizing web-based applications for better voyage planning, fuel optimization, and remote systems monitoring. At the same time, vessels experience demand for VoIP services around the clock by crew and officers, given the 24/7/365 nature of commercial vessel operations.
"With this enhancement, mini-VSAT Broadband users enjoy extremely high-quality VoIP service even during heavy data network use," says
VoIP, which utilizes an Internet connection to transmit voice signals, is the primary method for vessels to conduct phone calls from sea. The mini-VSAT Broadband network utilizes spread spectrum technology, which enables low latency and contention, both factors contributing to the high voice quality of KVH's VoIP service. A telephony measurement known as mean opinion score (MOS) quantifies the voice quality of phone transmissions on a 1-to-5 scale, with 5 as best. A score of 3.4 is considered good for a satellite phone call, yet mini-VSAT Broadband VoIP calls measure up to 3.75, which is the same as a land-based VoIP call. In addition, KVH's mini-VSAT Broadband network uses 32 kbps for the dedicated voice channel, which is much higher than typical satellite phones.
The mini-VSAT Broadband network provides broadband connectivity to commercial vessels and recreational yachts around the world, and is the market share leader in maritime VSAT, according to a 2014 report by industry analyst Euroconsult. KVH also designs and manufactures the TracPhone® V-IP series of satellite communications antenna systems for use with the mini-VSAT Broadband network.
Note to Editors: For more information about KVH's mini-VSAT Broadband network, please visit the KVH website, www.minivsat.com/vip. High-resolution images of KVH products and coverage maps are available at the
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This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. For example, forward-looking statements include statements regarding the timing and occurrence of new service rollout plans; the functionality, characteristics, quality, and performance of KVH services and technology; and customer demand, preferences, requirements, and expectations. The actual results we achieve could differ materially from the statements made in this press release. Factors that might cause these differences include, but are not limited to: potential unanticipated technical or legal impediments that could delay or impede new service rollout plans or expected strategic relationships; the need to increase sales of the TracPhone V-IP series products and related services to improve airtime gross margins; the impact of extended economic weakness on the sale and use of marine vessels, particularly in
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CONTACT:Jill Connors Media & Communications ManagerKVH Industries, Inc. 401-851-3824 jconnors@kvh.com