Satellite Communications System News

KVH Industries, Inc., (Nasdaq: KVHI), a leader in mobile connectivity, has announced that it has shipped its 10,000th VSAT satellite communications system. This is the latest milestone for a company whose history of innovation in the maritime satellite communications industry began in 2007, when KVH introduced the TracPhone V7, the first maritime 60 cm VSAT terminal, and the mini-VSAT Broadbandsm service. Since that time, KVH has become the market share leader for maritime VSAT terminals (Source: Euroconsult…

Radio Holland Group and Lars Thrane A/S concluded a global distribution agreement for the LT-3100 Iridium system. As a ‘kick-off’, mid-March Peter Thrane (CEO & Co-founder) and Thomas Flinth (Sales Manager) visited the Rotterdam office of Radio Holland Netherlands for a sales presentation, a commercial and a technical training. The global agreement enables every Radio Holland office in the world to distribute the LT-3100 Iridium system as well as perform after-sales service and maintenance. Peter Thrane said, “The distribution agreement with the Radio Holland Group is a major step forward for us. The global presence and professional approach to the market has given Radio Holland a strong name in the marine business. The LT-3100 is based on the Iridium satellite network.

Live network testing conducted by Marlink over the newest Intelsat EpicNG High Throughput Ku-band satellite demonstrates that the v65 system will enable users to achieve high throughput connectivity for vessels of all sizes. Maritime satellite antenna systems provider Intellian Technologies said its v65 Ku/Ka band convertible satellite communications system has been independently tested by satellite communications service provider Marlink and exceeds all expectations in terms of performance efficiency on the company’s newly launched 60cm global network.

Danelec Marine’s new intelligent remote management platform is bringing the Internet of Things (IoT) to the maritime industry by providing easy, low-cost access to data from ships at sea. The second-generation DanelecConnect telematics platform is now fully available and the first ship installations are currently underway. The company is working with third-party software application providers to use the DanelecConnect application programming interface (API) tool to capture data from shipboard systems and sensors into their specialized software packages.

KVH Industries, Inc. has launched a new all-inclusive Connectivity as a Service (CaaS) offering for the maritime industry, AgilePlans by KVH. For a single monthly fee, AgilePlans by KVH brings an advanced satellite communications solution onboard without a costly capital expenditure or long-term commitment. The subscription fee is as low as $499/month for a complete package including hardware, connectivity, installation at select ports, entertainment and training content and global support. The AgilePlans by KVH subscription model is designed to deliver everything a fleet needs for better communications and improved operational efficiency at sea.

Intellian Technologies, provider of maritime satellite communications and entertainment systems, said it will introduce the v65; a 60cm class Ku/Ka convertible satellite communications system at the Satellite 2017 show in Washington D.C. According to the manufacturer, the v65 is poised to drive adoption of new connectivity solutions in the mobility market by making access to both Ku- and Ka-band on the same antenna system simple and cost-effective. “Conventional antenna technology forces a choice between one frequency or the other.

McMurdo has announced a new global satellite communications system, McMurdo OmniCom, the first in a family of products that will be rolled out over the next six months to provide complete worldwide fleet management and vessel monitoring solutions for the workboat, commercial fishing and artisanal fishing industries. McMurdo OmniCom is an integrated solution for commercial fleet operations that combines worldwide satellite coverage for constant communications to and from remote vessels with PRISMA Connect…

Intellian Technologies, a provider of maritime satellite communications and entertainment systems, has unveiled its latest new product at this year’s SMM show in Hamburg, Germany. The v65, a 60cm class satellite communications system operating in Ku-band, delivers best-in-class RF performance by a substantial margin. The improved performance capability will enable service providers to build new global service plans targeting high volume market segments. The industry has the opportunity to take a closer look at this new offering at SMM, and to learn about its features in more detail.

The U.S. Navy has ordered 56 AN/USC-61(C) Digital Modular Radios (DMRs) and related equipment from General Dynamics. The newly built DMR radios will be capable of using the Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) waveform, the digital dial tone needed to make voice calls to the U.S. Department of Defense's next generation, narrowband MUOS satellite communications system. The four-channel radios form the foundation of the Navy's network communications aboard submarines, surface ships and on-shore locations. This order, valued at over $29 million, exercises option five on a contract awarded to General Dynamics in 2010. "DMR is an extremely versatile radio and we continue to update its capabilities to ensure that Navy communications networks have the most advanced and secure technologies…

General Dynamics’ four-channel Digital Modular Radios (DMR) are being upgraded with high-frequency dynamic routing (HFDR) software to turn the radio’s four channels into eight virtual channels. In addition to HFDR, the new high-frequency virtual channel exploitation software expands the DMR’s communications capacity to 16 virtual channels when operating in the high frequency (HF) line-of-sight and ultra-high frequency (UHF) satellite communications frequencies. With the two new software upgrades, the U.S. Navy has four-times more capacity for secure HF communications without adding additional hardware or changing the configuration in space-constrained shipboard radio rooms.

Oceaneering International, Inc. has entered into a two-year, multiservice vessel charter agreement with Shell Offshore Inc. for use of the Ocean Alliance in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico (GOM) commencing January 1, 2015. The Ocean Alliance is a U.S. flagged vessel built in 2010 with an overall length of approximately 309 feet (94 meters), a Class 2 dynamic positioning system, accommodations for 69 personnel, a helideck, a 150-ton active heave compensated crane and a working moonpool.

General Dynamics Mission Systems makes its debut as General Dynamics' newest business unit at the Surface Navy Association's (SNA) 27th National Symposium. General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems and General Dynamics C4 Systems combined to form General Dynamics Mission Systems on January 1, 2015. "This restructuring has allowed us to create a real powerhouse. We are stronger together and offer a more robust portfolio of products, services and solutions that help customers successfully execute their missions in today's dynamic environment," said Chris Marzilli, president of General Dynamics Mission Systems. "Our exhibits at SNA highlight our collective capabilities from which the U.S. General Dynamics Mission Systems will deliver greater capability more efficiently.

General Dynamics C4 Systems successfully demonstrated that the AN/PRC-155 two-channel Manpack radios closed a 2,000-mile communications gap between Phoenix, Ariz., and a second set of users in Taunton, Mass. The successful 2,000-mile transmission of the PRC-155 Manpack radio channels bridged the Line of Sight Rifleman Radio and Single Channel Ground and Airborne Radio System (SINCGARS) radio communications to orbiting Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) satellites. "With the success of this demonstration, General Dynamics successfully demonstrated the promise of the MUOS satellite communications system using PRC-155 Manpack radios. The demonstration also successfully showed how dismounted Soldiers…

The IP-MobileCast content delivery service developed by KVH Industries, Inc., for its mini-VSAT Broadband satellite network is now live, constituting a maritime industry first that will enable seafarers in the middle of the ocean to have affordable access to daily digital newspapers, television news, sports updates, music, new-release blockbuster movies and TV programs via a multicasting service. KVH  recently completed successful beta testing of IP-MobileCast, and is making the…

KVH Industries, Inc. was chosen by BW, a worldwide maritime energy transportation company, as the satellite communications solution for its Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) fleet. BW’s vessels will use KVH’s advanced, dual-mode TracPhone V11-IP onboard satellite communications system and mini-VSAT Broadband service for the “always-on” broadband connectivity that is essential for today’s commercial maritime operations. BW recently completed field trials of the TracPhone V11-IP system…

Oceaneering International, Inc. announced it has commissioned the construction of a subsea support vessel from BAE Systems. The vessel is expected for delivery by the end of the first quarter of 2016. This vessel will be U.S. flagged and documented with a coastwise endorsement by the U.S. Coast Guard. It will have an overall length of 353 feet, a Class 2 dynamic positioning system, accommodations for 110 personnel, a helideck, a 250-ton active heave compensated crane, and a working moonpool.

Oceaneering International, Inc. has commissioned the construction of a subsea support vessel from BAE Systems, expected to be delivered by the end of the first quarter of 2016. The new ship will be U.S. flagged and documented with a coastwise endorsement by the U.S. Coast Guard. It will have an overall length of 353 feet, a Class 2 dynamic positioning system, accommodations for 110 personnel, a helideck, a 250-ton active heave compensated crane, and a working moonpool. Two 13,000 foot-rated Oceaneering work class remotely operated vehicles will also be provided.

Oceaneering International, has chartered the 'Normand Flower', a Solstad Offshore multi-service subsea support vessel. The charter term is expected to commence during the fourth quarter of 2013 upon arrival of the vessel for work in the Gulf of Mexico (GOM). Prior to commencement of the charter, the Normand Flower will undergo modifications to enhance its project capabilities, including reconfiguration to accommodate two Oceaneering, high-specification, work class ROVs. The vessel…

KVH TracPhone V3-IP goes fully global for commercial mariners as it pairs up with integrated Iridium OpenPort Broadband Service. Coinciding with the introduction of its new TracPhone® V3-IP satellite communications system, KVH Industries, Inc., announces availability of an integrated service package that pairs its exclusive mini-VSAT Broadbandsm service with the Iridium OpenPort® broadband service for seamless, fully global connectivity. The new TracPhone V3-IP will provide coverage throughout the extensive Ku-band mini-VSAT Broadband global coverage offering, with Iridium OpenPort service extending that to remote regions including the polar areas.

The three-part series offers information for those researching, implementing, or determining the business benefits associated with offshore connectivity. Given the increasing importance of broadband connectivity for vessels at sea, KVH Industries, Inc., (Nasdaq: KVHI) is presenting a three-part webinar series, “SATCOM 101,” to help explain the sometimes confusing world of maritime satellite communications. Commercial maritime business leaders faced with the need to optimize ship operations and reduce costs, address business challenges of crew retention and piracy, and adapt to regulatory compliance are relying on their IT professionals to provide better ways to support vessels at sea with improved connectivity.

Beam Communications Pty Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of World Reach Limited (ASX: WRR), has announced the launch of RapidSat700, a portable satellite communications system that operates with the Inmarsat BGAN (Broadband Global Area Network) network. RapidSat700 is a portable “all in one case” for satellite communication deployment in emergency situations, first responder and disaster recovery work. The RapidSat700 solution is also ideal for a rapid setup providing easy access to voice and higher speed satellite data / internet access in remote areas.

DCNS and its Norwegian partners deliver the fifth Skjold Fast Patrol Boat (FPB) to the Norwegian Navy. The six-boat Skjold program is led by a consortium comprising DCNS and two Norwegian contractors with DCNS acting as the combat system design authority and co- supplier. The naming ceremony of the new delivery Gnist recently took place at Umoe yard in Mandal. Skjold FPBs are designed specifically for maritime security and safety missions in Norway’s littoral waters. The combat system is tailored to demanding environments and reduced crewing.

Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd contracted to upgrade undisclosed navy's IP-based satellite communications system. As part of the contract, Gilat will deliver redundant SkyEdge II hubs, RF transmission capability and VSAT terminals that offer increased bandwidth efficiency throughout the Navy units. The increased bandwidth will allow enhanced connectivity to the Internet, video and other high-speed, broadband services while also enabling strategic military communications on board the Navy's mobile vehicles. "Gilat's SkyEdge II solution was selected for its advanced bandwidth utilization capabilities, a crucial commodity for any navy operating on limited and restrictive allocation of bandwidth resources," said Stephane Palomba, Regional VP for Asia, Gilat.