By Ted Nesi
PBN Staff Writer
MIDDLETOWN – KVH Industries Inc. has signed an agreement with ViaSat Inc. that the companies say will provide faster and cheaper broadband access to mariners.
Their plan calls for the creation of an exclusive global network offering access to KVH’s mini-VSAT Broadband for maritime use, with airtime revenue to be shared between the two companies.
“Expanding our mini-VSAT Broadband service to provide seamless global coverage of maritime broadband communications is one of our top strategic priorities,” said Martin Kits van Heyningen, KVH’s chief executive officer.
The market for broadband at sea is expanding as the commercial maritime industry increasingly begins employing Web sites to provide its captains and crews with up-to-date information on weather and currents, such as the Newport-based eCaptain.com. (READ MORE) Access to mobile broadband service also allows crew members to make phone calls, send e-mail and access the Internet.
KVH Industries Inc. (Nasdaq: KVHI) is a maker of live mobile media systems and of navigation and guidance systems for defense and civilian use. Additional information is available at www.kvh.com.
