[Satellite TODAY 12-22-09] The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) granted KVH Industries permanent Earth Station onboard-Vessel (ESV) license authority for its mini-VSAT Broadband satellite communications service, KVH announced Dec. 21
    The commission approved the spread spectrum mini-VSAT Broadband service and 24-inch diameter TracPhone V7 antenna as meeting FCC regulations for broadband maritime services.
    “This is a major achievement for the mini-VSAT Broadband service, which brings the economic and operational benefits of VSAT service to large new markets of commercial and leisure vessels. While the FCC jurisdiction applies only to U.S. flagged vessels and operations in U.S. territory, the FCC’s approval serves as a major endorsement of the viability and reliability of our global spread spectrum network for maritime operators worldwide," KVH CEO Martin Kits van Heyningen said in a statement.