KVH Industries has announced a new global distribution agreement with Thrane and Thrane for KVH's TracPhone V7 satellite communications system and the mini-VSAT Broadband service. Under the terms of this arrangement, KVH's TracPhone V7 system and the mini-VSAT Broadband service will become Thrane and Thrane's solution for maritime VSAT communications.

The TracPhone V7 system will be offered to the maritime community worldwide as a private labeled system under Thrane and Thrane's SAILOR brand and the company may also consider developing new SAILOR products compatible with KVH's mini-VSAT Broadband network.

In addition, Thrane and Thrane will employ the strength of its extensive global sales, distribution, and support network to market the service under the mini-VSAT Broadband global brand established by KVH. "We are thrilled to expand our decade-long relationship with Thrane and Thrane and bring them aboard as an OEM partner," explained Martin Kits van Heyningen, KVH's chief executive officer.

"Our aim when we launched the mini-VSAT Broadband service was to create a new global solution for affordable, reliable mobile broadband connections via Ku-band satellites.

The addition of Thrane and Thrane's worldwide reach and credibility as one of the world's premier mobile satellite communications companies is invaluable to our efforts to expand the use of the mini-VSAT Broadband service in the commercial maritime market."

Speaking about the addition of the TracPhone V7 and mini-VSAT Broadband airtime service to its product line, Walther Thygesen, Thrane and Thrane's chief executive officer, said, "This product and service fits our SAILOR brand perfectly and we are looking forward to an increased cooperation between the two companies and together making this the new standard for global VSAT services."

The TracPhone V7, a rugged, 24" (60 cm) antenna, delivers mini-VSAT Broadband service with data rates as fast as 2 Mbps shore-to-ship and 512 Kbps ship-to-shore.

A fraction of the size of standard 1-meter VSAT systems, the TracPhone V7 (and its fully integrated below-decks modem and control unit) offers easy connections to shipboard networks, fully stabilized tracking, and a significant reduction in hardware and installation costs, without compromising performance.

Mariners currently enjoy access to uninterrupted Ku-band Internet and voice services via mini-VSAT Broadband from the Asian coast eastward throughout North America and the Caribbean, across the North Atlantic, and all the way through Mediterranean waters. Additional coverage around the globe is expected to roll out in the coming year under the auspices of a joint effort by KVH and communications leader ViaSat.