KVH Introduces Enhanced VoIP Service for mini-VSAT Broadband Network
February 03 2015 - 8:11AM
KVH Industries, Inc., (Nasdaq:KVHI) has rolled out a new dedicated
voice configuration for its mini-VSAT Broadbandsm global maritime
satellite network to ensure customers always experience
high-quality phone calls. The network's Voice over Internet
Protocol (VoIP) service is now delivered on a prioritized and
protected data stream, separate from the network's overall
broadband data traffic. VoIP service is also prioritized onboard
the vessel for quality VoIP service even during times of heaviest
broadband data use. 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 Marc Edwards, KVH's
network operations director. "We rolled out this updated
configuration to all service beams on the network, and the feedback
indicates the quality of our voice service to be exceptionally
good." 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 KVH Press Room Image Library,
www.kvh.com/press-room/image-library.
About KVH Industries, Inc.
KVH Industries is a leading provider of in-motion satellite TV
and communications systems, having designed, manufactured, and sold
more than 175,000 mobile satellite antennas for applications on
vessels, vehicles, and aircraft. KVH is also a leading news, music,
and entertainment content provider to many industries including
maritime, retail, and leisure. VideotelTM, a KVH company, is a
leading provider of maritime training. KVH is based in Middletown,
RI, with research, development, and manufacturing operations in
Middletown, RI, and Tinley Park, IL. The company's global presence
includes offices in Belgium, Brazil, Cyprus, Denmark, Hong Kong,
Japan, the Netherlands, Norway, Singapore, and the United
Kingdom.
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 Europe and Asia; the need
for, or delays in, qualification of products to customer or
regulatory standards; unanticipated declines or changes in customer
demand, due to competitive, economic, seasonal, and other factors,
particularly with respect to the TracPhone V-IP series products and
the mini-VSAT Broadband service; KVH's dependence on the
availability of third-party satellites and services to support
transmissions to mobile antennas; unanticipated expenses associated
with the launch of the IP-MobileCastTM service; and unanticipated
increase in media costs or loss of distribution rights. These and
other factors are discussed in more detail in our most recent
quarterly report on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC. We do not assume
any obligation to update our forward-looking statements to reflect
new information and developments.
KVH, TracPhone, Videotel, and IP-MobileCast are trademarks of
KVH Industries, Inc. mini-VSAT Broadband is a service mark of KVH
Industries, Inc.
CONTACT: Jill Connors
Media & Communications Manager
KVH Industries, Inc.
401-851-3824
jconnors@kvh.com
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