Middletown, R.I.-based KVH Inc. [KVHI] released last month a lighter, cheaper maritime phone designed for Inmarsat’s third-generation satellites. KVH’s system, Inmarsat Tracphone, is derived from similar hardware it builds for use on American Mobile Satellite Corp.’s [SKYC] and TMI Communications’ regional mobile satellite systems. The Inmarsat unit weighs 30 pounds (13.5 kg) with a 30-inch (76 cm) radome–about half the size and one-third the price of traditional Inmarsat M systems. Per-minute pricing depends on the operator, but is around $3 per minute. The gyro of the Tracphone’s antenna allows continuous satellite pointing in heavy seas, up to a 45 degrees angle. The phone supports voice, fax and other data options. (KVH, 401/847-3327.)