Offshore oil field. Photo: Wikimedia Commons.

[Via Satellite 02-16-2014] KVH Industries is doubling the capacity for two global C-band beams in its mini-VSAT Broadcast network, enhancing its C- and Ku-band maritime VSAT network. The increase in capacity will take place next month, improving the multimegabit service that serves global marine operations and vessels by covering major shipping routes, offshore oil fields, and fishing grounds.

Since KVH introduced C-band overlay coverage less than two years ago, installations of its dual-mode TracPhone V11-IP satellite communications system have steadily increased. This system uses a single antenna with dual-band transmit and receive capability that allows reliable onboard network continuity by switching between the mini-VSAT Broadband network’s C-and Ku-band satellite coverage.

“This unique network architecture allows us to provide the power and speed of a modern maritime VSAT service with the global coverage typical of global L-band services like Inmarsat FleetBroadband,” said Marc Edwards, KVH’s network operations director.