Already the world's fastest growing maritime VSAT network, mini-VSAT Broadband sm from KVH Industries, Inc., took another major step ahead of the competition with the announcement that KVH and partner ViaSat Inc., are rolling out enhancements to the global spread spectrum network that double the maximum uplink speeds and offer significant improvements in the industry's best network reliability.

Along with this dramatic increase in data speed, network users will also benefit from powerful new adaptive return link technology, which enables KVH's TracPhone V7 and V3 systems to adjust system operations automatically to suit changing conditions, including adverse weather, and ensure that subscribers enjoy uninterrupted connections, extended network coverage, and the fastest speeds available at all times.

"This latest global upgrade makes the KVH mini-VSAT Broadband service the fastest and most reliable VSAT service in the maritime industry, with data rates of 2 Mbps shore to ship and 1 Mbps ship to shore," explains Martin Kits van Heyningen, KVH's chief executive officer.

"Coupled with our recent completion of our global coverage and the introduction of our new TracPhone V3 with its small, 14.5-inch diameter antenna, KVH now offers maritime satellite service with the small, low cost hardware and global coverage of Inmarsat and the speed and economy of maritime VSAT.

"We feel our mini-VSAT Broadband network delivers the benefits of Inmarsat's GlobalXpress service several years sooner than their projected completion date while offering service that is 4 times faster and 1/10th the cost of Inmarsat's fastest FleetBroadband service."

The suite of enhancements is already being rolled out across the global mini-VSAT Broadband network, which comprises 10 powerful Ku-band satellites and 14 transponders linked via hubs around the world for a seamless global network. The mini-VSAT Broadband network currently delivers approximately 100 terabytes of data and connects more than 1.5 million phone calls per year.

With the recent shipment of the 1,500th TracPhone system for use with the network, mini-VSAT Broadband is now the world's fastest growing and largest maritime Ku-band VSAT network. In addition to the 1,500 systems shipped to customers, many additional systems are currently fielded for trials.

The network uses ViaSat's ArcLight spread spectrum technology, which was designed specifically for mobile use. ArcLight is unique due to its efficient reuse of satellite channels, fast speed, low latency, and its ability to support very small antennas that provide reliable service, even in poor weather conditions.

KVH manufactures two fully integrated onboard systems for the mini-VSAT Broadband network - the award-winning 24" diameter TracPhone V7 and the compact, 14.5" diameter TracPhone V3, which is the world's smallest maritime VSAT antenna. Both systems include a versatile below-deck control unit and ArcLight modem.