In the ocean of technologies and innovations, KVH Industries is keen to provide top value-added services and a hybrid approach to connectivity. At Nor-Shipping 2023, Kristin McGillicuddy, Senior Marketing Manager, KVH Industries, describes to Robban Assafina how vessels can use KVH hybrid connectivity solutions and services to enjoy global coverage, 24/7 support, and better business at sea.

First, let’s introduce KVH Industries to Robban Assafina readers.
KVH Industries is a global leader in mobile connectivity, content, and value-added services with offices all over the world, headquartered in the US with different offices in Denmark, UK, Singapore and a number of countries. KVH has been in the market since the 80s and our focus is on products and services dedicated for the maritime industry, and we always try to be on the cutting edge of what’s coming next.

The maritime industry is undergoing a huge development evolution, how is KVH Industries contributing to the advancement process of the maritime satellite field?
Our current focus is on hybrid connectivity. The hybrid approach is the right approach for every vessel and every situation since it allows a ship to utilize different kinds of connectivity options to stay always connected. Our latest product offering is the TracNet™ hybrid solution, offering satellite, cellular, and Wi-Fi under one dome with intelligent, automatic switching to keep the vessel connected to the best option at all times.

With KVH TracNet™, the system is constantly assessing the best communication option by considering factors like signal strength, packet loss, jitter, and cost. Wherever you are, from far offshore to moored in port, TracNet™ ensures you are always connected with the best channel and the lowest cost. The vessel can also plug in a LEO solution like Starlink or a backup like Iridium to provide even more connectivity options.  So far, the feedback is positive and KVH TracNet™ has won a number of industry awards for its innovative approach to connectivity.

How does this new hybrid connectivity solution help ship operators maintain good internet connection on board?
The hybrid approach ensures that a vessel is always connected to the best option available. If a vessel is in port, KVH TracNet™ will first look to connect to local Wi-Fi; its powerful Wi-Fi bridge and high location on the vessel allow for a strong signal, and this option is typically available at no cost so allows the captain and crew to access the Internet in an economical way.  

When moving off-shore, the TracNet™ might switch to cellular or 5G, and will accept a local SIM card allow for an even more cost-effective cellular connection in certain local waters.  When fully offshore, TracNet™ will switch to a satellite connection, and provides global, layered HTS Ku-band coverage. KVH TracNet™ and the KVH One™ Hybrid network change the game for communications at sea, delivering a groundbreaking hybrid connectivity experience for ships of all sizes, even in rough seas or at high speeds. Very simply, it is connectivity without complication.

Despite the challenges that the maritime industry is facing, what makes KVH Industries distinguished in its services?
I think there’s one thing that sets KHV apart; we are a one stop shop for connectivity needs and solutions; we offer a shipping company everything they need including commercial-grade hardware, flexible airtime, and an array of services like enterprise-grade cybersecurity. We offer amazing 24/7 customer service for information or inquires. And KVH focuses on building strong relationships with our customers and meeting their needs in exceptional ways.  For example, we have a technical engineer here in the stand at Nor-Shipping to meet customers and help them get all the information they require from a technical standpoint in addition to sales information. 

What innovations/projects are KVH Industries looking at in the near future?
KVH is proud of our award-winning hardware, but we are currently focused on developing strong value-added services to meet our customers’ needs.  We’ve recently introduced KVH Crew Internet, providing a versatile, effective way to enhance crew morale and wellbeing through connectivity while managing onboard data use for operational efficiency; this service is compatible with our TracNet™ hybrid terminals.  Two additional value-added services for commercial vessels and fleets are KVH Managed Firewall, providing enterprise-grade protection against cyber threats; and KVH Cloud Email, a reliable, secure email solution allowing commercial seafarers to send and retrieve email over any available data connection. Both services are compatible with KVH’s TracNet™ hybrid terminals and TracPhone® VSAT-only terminals.  

And our new KVH OpenNet service allows vessels to bring the advantages of the KVH One™ Global HTS network to boats with non-KVH antennas; the benefits include flexible month-to-month airtime subscriptions, 24/7 support, and access to our powerful suite of services.

One current offering we continue to innovate is KVH AgilePlans® ONE, a service that allows vessels to install KVH hardware with no CAPEX, subsidized installation and shipping, and free maintenance. With an AgilePlans® installation, the crew on the vessel has immediate access to select KVH Link content like news and sports. It is a flexible monthly subscription that can be cancelled at any time or put on hold. So rather than having an outlay of investment for a piece of hardware, you have a flexible monthly subscription with no commitment, and you can bring KVH on many vessels in the same fleet in a cost-effective manner.

Robban Assafina Magazine, Issue 85, Jul./Aug. 2023, Maritime Host, pg. 85

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	Issue 86 of Robban Assafina (July/ Aug. 2023)