KVH and Japan Radio Co., Ltd. Sign Global Distribution Agreement for mini-VSAT Broadband Products

MIDDLETOWN, R.I., Feb. 26 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — KVH Industries, Inc., (Nasdaq: KVHI) today announced a new distribution agreement with Japan Radio Co., Ltd. (JRC) for KVH’s TracPhone® V7 satellite communications system and the mini-VSAT Broadband(SM) service, which will become JRC’s hardware and airtime solution for maritime VSAT communications. Under the terms of this arrangement, JRC will begin selling the KVH-branded TracPhone V7 system on a global basis through its established distributor and dealer channels. JRC will also be authorized to sell the mini-VSAT Broadband airtime service to non-Japanese vessel owners and operators.

“It is with great pleasure that we begin this relationship with JRC, one of the world’s leaders in wireless communications technology and an established presence in the maritime marketplace,” said Brent C. Bruun, KVH’s vice president of satellite sales and business development. “Leisure boaters and commercial operators around the globe are turning to our TracPhone V7 and mini-VSAT Broadband solution to take advantage of its compact size, seamless global network, broadband connections, and affordable airtime. JRC and its global distribution and support capabilities will dramatically increase the availability of this groundbreaking satellite communications solution to mariners throughout Asia and around the world.”

Speaking on behalf of JRC, Tatsuya Kobayashi, general manager of the Marine Electronics Business Department, said, “The addition of KVH’s TracPhone V7 and the mini-VSAT Broadband service to our product portfolio enables us to offer a versatile broadband communications system that brings tangible benefits to vessel operators, their crews, and their passengers while setting an exciting new standard for maritime communications. We look forward to working with KVH to bring our customers this outstanding solution to the growing demand for marine broadband connections.”

The mini-VSAT Broadband service, along with the KVH TracPhone V7 antenna, comprise the first end-to-end 24-inch VSAT antenna, service, and support package available for maritime communications. Together, KVH and ViaSat are currently providing two-way mobile broadcast services from eight secure teleports around the globe utilizing eight beams on seven of the world’s most powerful communications satellites. The resulting seamless network offers voice service and Internet access as fast as 512 Kbps (upload) and 2 Mbps (download) at fixed monthly rates.

Visit http://www.minivsat.com for additional details regarding the TracPhone V7 and mini-VSAT Broadband service and coverage as well as case studies of customers who have successfully solved critical maritime communications challenges thanks to the compact and affordable mini-VSAT Broadband solution.

About KVH Industries, Inc. (http://www.kvh.com): Middletown, RI-based KVH Industries, Inc., and its wholly owned subsidiary, KVH Europe A/S, are leading providers of in-motion satellite TV and communications systems, having designed, manufactured, and sold more than 150,000 mobile satellite antennas for applications on vessels, vehicles, and aircraft. KVH’s mission is to connect mobile customers around the globe with the same digital television entertainment, communications, and Internet services that they enjoy in their homes and offices.

About JRC (http://www.jrc.co.jp/eng):  JRC, one of the world’s longest established companies in the field of marine electronics, has a rich heritage in maritime satellite communications, dating back to the world’s first Marisat terminal in 1975. From then on the rest really is history through the Inmarsat alphabet. Since its founding in 1915, JRC has pursued an independent path as a leading company in information technology and wireless communication equipment.