KVH Industries’ latest coverage map. Photo: KVH

[Via Satellite 03-13-2015] KHV Industries has bolstered the amount of capacity available for maritime customers using its mini-VSAT Broadband network in three parts of the world. The fresh capacity goes to the Asia Pacific after a key beam was increased by 60 percent, the Pacific Northwest via a new beam, and Eastern Canada and the U.S. coast through another new beam. KVH cited commercial shipping and offshore oil and gas activities in the Asia-Pacific, commercial fishing fleets in the Pacific Northwest, and commercial shipping, fishing, and yacht chartering around Eastern Canada and U.S. coast as reasons for increased demand.

The company now uses 17 satellites and 24 transponders for global coverage in C and Ku band. In January KVH CEO Martin Kits van Heyningen indicated that the company was looking to add capacity and is closely watching developments with High Throughput Satellites (HTS). At the time KVH was using 16 satellites to lease 23 transponders.

“The commercial maritime industry is increasingly reliant on broadband services to improve operational efficiency,” Kits van Heyningen said in a statement. “Data and connectivity enable ship owners to accomplish many goals, from reduced fuel consumption through voyage planning to increased safety through updated training programs delivered to crew while they are onboard.”