Boatracs Inc. and KVH Industries, Inc., (Nasdaq: KVHI),are collaborating to deliver an end-to-end mini-VSAT Broadbandsm solution for small to medium sized businesses in the commercial workboat and fishing markets. Sold through Boatracs, the Boatracs mini-VSAT Fleet Management Solution includes a TracPhone® V3 (to be called the Boatracs mini-VSAT V3), for global broadband connectivity as well as Boatracs’ web-based fleet management platform, Boatracs BTConnect®. Boatracs’ other maritime software products will also be available including BTForms™, an electronic forms solution that automates and simplifies vessel data collection for operations, reporting and compliance record keeping. This new solution will be made available and supported through KVH and Boatracs’ loyal certified dealer network.
“We are very excited to partner with an innovative top-tier company like KVH to integrate the award winning TracPhone® mini-VSAT Broadband system with Boatracs’ software solutions for the commercial maritime market,” said Irwin Rodrigues, President and CEO of Boatracs. “With increased regulatory compliance reporting and heightened competition, the needs of our customers have evolved dramatically over the past few years. We’re seeing a growing need for simple yet highly effective integrated solutions that drive operational efficiencies, vessel productivity and compliance. The Boatracs mini-VSAT Fleet Management Solution meets these requirements in an affordable package through a single provider known in the industry for reliable service and a dedication to customer support.” The TracPhone V3 is the world’s smallest maritime VSAT antenna, designed for vessels as small as 30 feet. With airtime rates 1/10th the cost of L-band systems, the mini-VSAT network offers downloads as fast as 2Mbps at $0.99 per MB and phone calls worldwide at only $0.49 per minute. The benefits of the product have changed the game for satellite communications since being introduced by KVH in February 2011 due to its small size, fast data rates and affordable service. Powered by the largest VSAT network in the world, Boatracs’ unique offering will enable commercial maritime owners and operators to justify the need for reliable satellite communications on board their fleets of vessels. Boatracs BTConnect® is a web-based solution that integrates message and mapping functionality, providing access to fleet-wide data from anywhere on any device. With features such as route planning, custom landmarks and global map layers, BTConnect ties together the critical functions of visually managing a fleet with two-way messaging to improve dispatching, accelerate invoicing and streamline shore side operations. “KVH and Boatracs share the vision of making broadband accessible to small and medium fleets as critical software applications continue to drive the need for increased bandwidth,” said Brent C. Bruun, Senior Vice President of Global Sales and Business Development at KVH Industries. “By offering this combination of leading products and services in a turnkey package, workboat and commercial fishing companies can implement a high-speed voice and data service and be realizing the benefits of fleet management software immediately. We are pleased to partner with Boatracs as a demonstrated leader of integrated satellite communications solutions.”