MIDDLETOWN, R.I., Apr 28, 2003 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- Staying in touch at sea using Inmarsat mini-M service, whether by phone, fax, or e-mail, just became even more affordable thanks to KVH Industries (Nasdaq: KVHI). KVH today announced that it has cut airtime rates for mini-M, making the world's most popular satellite telephone service even more affordable to mariners. The $1.49 per minute reduced rates will be available immediately to all KVH Tracphone owners who activate a new mini-M service plan through the "Inmarsat Airtime by KVH" program. At the same time, Inmarsat mini-M data rates have been quadrupled to 9.6 kilobits per second (Kbps) using KVH's Velocity Acceleration software. As a result, Tracphone owners gain a significant boost in the power and cost-effectiveness of their mini-M as a means of communication via e-mail and data connections.

"With more than 100,000 subscribers worldwide, Inmarsat mini-M is the world's most popular satellite voice, fax, and data service," said Ian Palmer, KVH vice president of satellite sales. "Thousands of mariners around the globe trust KVH's award-winning Tracphone antennas and mini-M to keep them in touch with home, business, and emergency services. Our reduced airtime costs and the boost in data rates make mini-M and Tracphone an outstanding and even more affordable combination for keeping in touch worldwide."

KVH's award-winning Tracphone 252 and Tracphone 50 antennas make it affordable for boats as small as 35' (10 m) to keep in touch by providing secure voice, fax, data, and e-mail. Each antenna offers exceptional versatility for onboard communications, with interfaces for additional telephones (PABX systems), a fax machine, and a PC. Tracphone will automatically route incoming and outgoing calls to and from the proper device, equipping the vessel with a complete communications center with the global reach of Inmarsat mini-M. For additional security and accountability, Tracphone antennas are fully compatible with password-protected smart cards.

The $1.49 per minute reduced rate covers all mini-M voice, fax, and data use via a KVH Tracphone system within Inmarsat's Zone 1, which encompasses North America, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. As always, Inmarsat mini-M is available with no monthly fees or regional roaming, making it among the most cost-effective maritime satellite communication service available.

The increased data rates are made possible using the same Velocity Acceleration data enhancement technology employed by KVH in its TracNet Mobile High-speed Internet System. Free to all Tracphone owners with "Inmarsat Airtime from KVH", the mini-M Velocity Acceleration data rate upgrade is compatible with PC-based computers and has been optimized for use with Inmarsat services.

For complete details on "Inmarsat Airtime from KVH" and KVH's competitive rates as well as to request the mini-M Velocity Acceleration data rate upgrade, contact KVH's Satellite Airtime and Product Activation Department at satelliteservices@kvh.com or by phone at (888) 584-4163. Additional information about KVH's line of Tracphone systems and Inmarsat service are available on-line at www.tracphone.com.

A high-resolution, press-ready photo of the award-winning Tracphone 252 and Tracphone 50 antennas are available on the company's award-winning web site, www.kvh.com/press/pr.asp?id=276, for download and publication.

KVH Industries, Inc., designs and manufactures products that enable mobile communication, 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 headquarters in Middletown, Rhode Island, with a fiber optic manufacturing facility in Tinley Park, 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