KVH said the new version of its TracPhone V7-IP will cost less than previous versions and be significantly easier to install. The unit’s end-to-end design aims to enable the system software to be updated over-the-air using either the mini-VSAT broadband service or cellular service thanks to a GPRS modem built into the system’s antenna.

   KVH CEO Martin Kits van Heyningen said the TracPhone V7-IP could drastically reduce the complexity inherent in maritime VSAT systems, which typically require a technician to configure a full rack of hardware from a variety of third-party manufacturers.

   “The TracPhone V7-IP represents a significant leap forward in delivering fast, affordable, reliable broadband connectivity to maritime customers,” van Heyningen said in a statement. “A major upgrade to our pioneering TracPhone V7 system, the TracPhone V7-IP offers a complete end-to-end solution for managing both IT functions and communications on board the vessel. It delivers data at up to 2 Mbps and has two integrated voice lines that can be expanded to support up to nine simultaneous calls.”