KVH and Pacific Basin Completing Hybrid Connectivity and Network Management Upgrade

Rhea-AI Summary

KVH Industries has completed a major connectivity upgrade for Pacific Basin Shipping, covering more than 75 vessels. The upgrade, under an agreement signed in July 2024, includes KVH TracPhone V7-HTS terminals, new Starlink Flat High Performance terminals, and KVH's CommBox Edge Communications Gateway. The vessels now utilize the KVH ONE multi-orbit network, incorporating Low Earth Orbit service via Starlink. The system provides connection speeds up to 10/2 Mbps through KVH's Ku-band service and additional high-speed connectivity through Starlink, managed by CommBox Edge for intelligent hybrid switching and network management.

Positive

• Secured renewal and expansion of service agreement with long-term customer Pacific Basin for 75+ vessels
• Successfully integrated new Starlink service with existing VSAT infrastructure, expanding service capabilities
• Enhanced product offering with CommBox Edge platform, providing advanced network management solutions

Negative

• None.

Insights

Tech Expert

The implementation of a hybrid connectivity solution combining VSAT and Starlink services represents a significant technological upgrade for Pacific Basin's maritime operations. The TracPhone V7-HTS terminals with speeds of 10/2 Mbps, coupled with Starlink's low-latency capabilities, creates a robust dual-network system. The CommBox Edge integration is particularly noteworthy as it enables intelligent network switching and comprehensive WAN management.

This deployment demonstrates the maritime industry's shift toward hybrid connectivity solutions that combine traditional VSAT with LEO satellites. The system's SD-WAN architecture and cloud-based management capabilities provide the technological foundation needed for future digital transformation initiatives in maritime operations, while addressing crew welfare needs through improved connectivity.

Under the terms of an agreement signed this summer, more than 75 Pacific Basin ships equipped with KVH VSAT service have received updated TracPhone terminals plus new Starlink, with network management via the CommBox Edge Communications Gateway

MIDDLETOWN, R.I., Nov. 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- KVH Industries, Inc. (Nasdaq: KVHI), today announced that it has substantially completed a 75-vessel connectivity upgrade for commercial dry bulk operator Pacific Basin Shipping, a longtime KVH customer. KVH is delivering worldwide communications to more than 75 Pacific Basin vessels using the KVH ONE^® multi-orbit, multi-channel network, including the addition of Low Earth Orbit service via Starlink. These vessels are using KVH TracPhone^® V7-HTS terminals, new Starlink Flat High Performance terminals, and KVH’s CommBox^™ Edge Communications Gateway onboard. This upgrade was carried out under the terms of a new agreement signed in July 2024.

“It’s been our pleasure to help Pacific Basin ships and crews remain always connected since 2016, and we are honored that they elected to continue their longstanding partnership with us,” says Ken Loke, KVH’s vice president of Asia-Pacific sales. “By choosing our global VSAT service, TracPhone V7-HTS, and Starlink, together with our advanced CommBox Edge, Pacific Basin once again illustrates its commitment to providing innovative world-class maritime connectivity for its vessels and seafarers by taking full advantage of KVH’s fully integrated hybrid solutions.”

“Pacific Basin is focused on the highest possible quality operations and the promotion of the highest standards of welfare for our crews across our fleet,” said Harsh Bhave, Director of Fleet Management, Pacific Basin. “This installation recognizes the need to add smart bandwidth that can enable next level performance for our ships and our people.”

KVH’s TracPhone V7-HTS terminals feature Ku-band satellite interconnectivity delivered by a global network of high-throughput satellites (HTS) powered by Intelsat and delivering connection speeds as fast as 10/2 Mbps (down/up). Starlink offers high-speed, low-latency Internet using a high-performance, electronically steered flat panel array. Thanks to plug-and-play integration with KVH’s CommBox Edge 6 belowdeck appliance, intelligent hybrid switching will ensure that customers take full advantage of KVH ONE network, including Starlink, for uninterrupted connectivity worldwide.

CommBox Edge is an all-in-one management toolbox for maritime IT professionals who want to control the growing array of wide area network (WAN) options, such as the VSAT, low earth orbit (LEO) services, 5G cellular, and other services available through the KVH ONE global network. It employs dynamic network and bandwidth management over these networks with an extensive suite of data and user controls, real-time reporting, and more. It delivers outstanding performance for crew, guest, and vessel communications thanks to a versatile, secure, fast SD-WAN architecture with cloud-based management.

Note to Editors: High-resolution images of KVH products are available at the KVH Press Room Image Library, https://www.kvh.com/imagelibrary

About KVH Industries, Inc.

KVH Industries, Inc. is a global leader in mobile connectivity and maritime VSAT delivered via the KVH ONE network. The company, founded in 1982, is based in Middletown, RI, with research, development, and manufacturing operations in Middletown, RI, and more than a dozen offices around the globe. KVH provides connectivity solutions for commercial maritime, leisure marine, military/government, and land mobile applications on vessels and vehicles, including the TracNet^™, TracPhone, and TracVision^® product lines, the KVH ONE OpenNet Program for non-KVH antennas, AgilePlans^® Connectivity as a Service (CaaS), and the KVH Link crew wellbeing content service.

This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. For example, forward-looking statements include statements regarding the success of our strategic evolution towards an integrated solution provider, competitive positioning and profitability, expected data speeds over our network, the expected level of coverage availability, and the services to be provided under agreement with Pacific Basin. These and other factors are discussed in more detail in KVH’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on August 1, 2024, and Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 15, 2024. Copies are available through its Investor Relations department and website: https://investors.kvh.com. KVH does not assume any obligation to update our forward-looking statements to reflect new information and developments.

KVH Industries, Inc., has used, registered, or applied to register its trademarks in the USA and other countries around the world, including but not limited to the following marks: KVH, KVH ONE, CommBox, TracVision, TracPhone, TracNet, and AgilePlans. Other trademarks are the property of their respective companies.

For further information, please contact:
Chris Watson
Vice President, Marketing & Communications
KVH Industries, Inc.
Tel: +1 401 845 2441
cwatson@kvh.com

FAQ

What is the size of KVH's latest maritime connectivity deployment with Pacific Basin (KVHI)?

KVH has completed a connectivity upgrade for more than 75 Pacific Basin vessels, including TracPhone V7-HTS terminals, Starlink terminals, and CommBox Edge Communications Gateway.

When was the Pacific Basin agreement signed with KVH Industries (KVHI)?

The agreement was signed in July 2024.

What are the connection speeds offered by KVH's TracPhone V7-HTS terminals (KVHI)?

The TracPhone V7-HTS terminals offer connection speeds up to 10/2 Mbps (down/up) through Ku-band satellite connectivity.

What new technology did KVH (KVHI) integrate into Pacific Basin's vessels?

KVH integrated Starlink Flat High Performance terminals and CommBox Edge Communications Gateway, enabling hybrid connectivity through both VSAT and LEO satellite services.