New KVH TracNet 2.0 Offers Lower-cost, Faster
Mobile Broadband Wireless Internet
Access
Enhanced System Expands Coverage Areas, Lowers Airtime
Rates, and
Provides Greater Versatility via Exclusive Broadband Service
MIDDLETOWN, RI,
October 31, 2002 - KVH Industries (Nasdaq: KVHI), the
company that pioneered in-motion broadband Internet access, introduced
its new, faster TracNet 2.0 Mobile High-speed Internet System today at
the Ft. Lauderdale International Boat Show. TracNet 2.0 offers an
expanded array of features that make it the most versatile mobile
broadband Internet system available to mariners throughout North
America. Among these enhancements are standard coverage that now
includes Alaskan and Caribbean waters, KVH's integrated Velocity
Acceleration software that significantly boosts transmission speeds, and
the ability to maintain a two-way Internet connection even when the
TracVision antenna is being used for satellite TV reception. In
addition, KVH is reducing TracNet mobile airtime rates by 40%, making
the service even more affordable.
"TracNet 2.0 is a dynamic link to the Internet, e-mail, and company
networks thanks to its combination of high-powered mobile DirecPC
downloads, built-in networking, and extended coverage capabilities,"
explained Ian Palmer, KVH vice president of satellite sales. "No other
system can offer the range of capabilities built into TracNet 2.0, such
as Internet downloads at speeds reaching 400 Kbps and simultaneous
Internet access by up to 5 separate users. The first TracNet was a
breakthrough combination of technology. We have now built on that
initial success and launched an even more versatile system. Whether you
need Internet access for business, pleasure, or vital information,
TracNet 2.0 is your gateway to the Internet, wherever you travel."
The TracNet 2.0 system uses a powerful server/router, mobile return
paths, the mobile DirecPC Internet service, and a KVH TracVision
satellite TV antenna to provide two-way, high-speed access to the
Internet even when underway. Broadband downloads are received by the
TracVision antenna and are available within the mobile DirecPC coverage
area, which encompasses the continental U.S., Canada, and as far as 100
miles off the coast.
TracNet 2.0's standard coverage area, which includes Caribbean waters
and Alaska, provides two-way access at speeds reaching 56 Kbps when
using KVH's integrated Velocity Acceleration software. In addition, the
standard service can be used even when the TracVision antenna is
receiving satellite TV signals, allowing passengers and crew to enjoy
their favorite television programming as well as full-featured Internet
connections. The powerful server-based TracNet 2.0 offers unmatched
versatility that includes 802.11b (Wi-Fi) wireless and Ethernet network
connections, permitting as many as 5 computers to surf the web
simultaneously.
"The need for access to the Internet continues to grow among vessel
owners," continued Palmer. "The variety of information that is available
- investment and business data, sports, news, entertainment, e-mail,
weather and navigational information - are all of value to our customers
when they are at sea. Our system enhancements, the launch of TracNet
2.0, and the introduction of low airtime rates make two-way, broadband
Internet access an affordable and powerful option for boat owners,
passengers, and crew throughout North America and the Caribbean."
High-resolution, press-ready images are available to download from the
News section of the KVH Industries web site. The direct link is
http://www.kvh.com/Press/pr.asp?id=224&category=SATELLITE.
KVH Industries, Inc., designs and manufactures products that enable
mobile communication, navigation, and precision pointing through the use
of its proprietary mobile satellite antenna and fiber optic
technologies. The company is developing next-generation systems with
greater precision, durability, and versatility for communications,
navigation, and industrial applications. An ISO 9001-registered company,
KVH has headquarters in Middletown, Rhode Island, with a fiber optic
manufacturing facility in Tinley Park, Illinois, and a European sales,
marketing, and support office in Hoersholm, Denmark.
# # #
KVH Industries Contact:
Chris Watson
Communications Coordinator
401-847-3327
cwatson@kvh.com
Investor Relations Contact:
Phil Davidson or
Jolinda Taylor
FD Morgen-Walke
617-747-3600