Ultimate Satcom - Combined L/Ku-band service from KVH and Iridium

Iridium and KVH are to partner to offer a broadband satellite communications service for the maritime market that will combine the companies’ respective L-band and Ku-band services.

Under the agreement, KVH will offer an integrated service package including its mini-VSAT Broadband and Iridium OpenPort.

The integrated shipboard system will use common below-deck user interface equipment for voice and data connections, combining the OpenPort and KVH’s TracPhone V3 or V7 terminals.

KVH's CommBox shipboard network management tool will be used to automatically select the mini-VSAT or the OpenPort when appropriate, using least-cost routing software.

If the mini-VSAT is ever unavailable, the system immediately switches over to the OpenPort service without operator intervention.

The OpenPort connection can also serve as a means to access the mini-VSAT terminal remotely for maintenance or troubleshooting, as well as for other shipboard maintenance tasks and calibration of equipment.

"KVH already has the largest Ku-band VSAT global coverage offering, and the addition of Iridium now adds even remote regions such as the polar areas," said Brent Bruun, KVH senior vice president of global sales and business development.

"The integrated system offers our customers an unbeatable combination of reliable, affordable broadband shipboard communications and seamless global connectivity."

"The lightweight, compact antenna units bring the benefits of low-cost broadband communications to both private yachts and fishing vessels as small as 30 ft (9 m) as well as large, ocean-going merchant ships."


Alternative?  $1500/month worldwide use - http://www.marlink.com/Product.aspx?m=474

http://www.motorboating.com/news/iridium-and-kvh-team-provide-first-seamless-global-broadband-maritime-satellite-communications-