Photo: KVH Industries Coverage Map. Credit: KVH

[Via Satellite 12-03-13] KVH Industries has more than doubled the capacity of its mini-VSAT broadband network in the Asia-Pacific region, continuing the network expansion strategy outlined with the announcement of its new TracPhone V-IP series satellite communications systems and IP MobileCast service, which are expected to be available later this year.

The ongoing global network upgrade involves the deployment of Variable Coding, Spreading, and Modulation (VCSM) technology provided by ViaSat, KVH’s partner in the mini-VSAT broadband network. This is the fourth major capacity increase in less than eight months, following upgrades in the Caribbean, EMEA, and African and Brazilian regions that began in late 2012.

KVH recently announced a four-part strategy for the mini-VSAT broadband network, which is designed to bring a variety of content services to mariners. It involves deployment of VCSM technology to increase effective network capacity, upgrading the TracPhone terminals used to deliver the mini-VSAT broadband service, creating a first-of-its-kind content delivery service, and building alliances with application providers. Current download speeds reach 4Mbps, and upload rates of 1 Mbps. More than 3000 onboard terminals have been sold to date.