No matter where you are in the world, one of the few essentials while at sea is a connection to life back on land. As crewmembers, being able to phone home, keep in touch with friends, and catch up on the latest news is what takes up most of our free time. So why not join a yacht that has one of the best connectivity solutions on the market?
Thanks to the team at KVH, there is now a new integrated offering – the TracNet H-series terminals and the KVH ONE hybrid network – which delivers an all-in-one satellite, cellular, and Wi-Fi connection under one dome. This new power couple makes everything to do with connectivity extremely easy for everyone on board.
If a yacht were to turn to KVH for hybrid connectivity, it would be fitted with one TracNet dome with integrated satellite, cellular, and Wi-Fi. The system, together with its compact Below Deck Unit, automatically switches among the available channels to deliver the best performance at any moment.
Despite this solution having come onto the market less than four months ago, many yachts are already carrying the system, one being the Sunseeker 74 Sport Bridge, Jimbo. For smaller vessels such as Jimbo, KVH offers the TracNet H30 dome. At just 37 centimeters, the antenna is ultra-compact and provides seamless connectivity – something which Jimbo’s owner, Gus Stergis, favors above all.
“When I’m out on the water I don’t want to think about connectivity,” Stergis says. “Guests who come on board Jimbo are always checking their emails and talking on the phone. Nobody has to ask how to get online, as it is so easy. Plus, I know that the system will automatically switch between cellular, satellite, or Wi-Fi depending on what my best option is at the time. It just works!”
For yachts on a larger scale, the 1-meter TracNet H90 is the most compatible dome and also seamlessly switches between satellite, cellular, and Wi-Fi as part of KVH’s hybrid solution. By consolidating these three communication devices into one dome, the result reduces weight and up to 25% in costs.
“The design of our TracNet terminals is as much as 51 per cent lighter than leading competing terminals,” says Mark Woodhead, KVH’s Executive Vice President of Mobile Connectivity. “KVH has simplified installation and reduced costs for customers by consolidating three communication devices into one dome.”
For a yacht with KVH ONE and TracNet, it doesn’t matter how many days are spent at sea, as flexible month-to-month subscriptions are available to suit all cruising plans. High-speed shaped or metered plans as well as unlimited-use plans are available. If a yacht is being used for only part of the year, this plan can be suspended.
KVH includes a range of services such as KVH Elite™, an unlimited streaming service for yachts. KVH Elite is a premium service with dedicated bandwidth for HD-quality streaming for yachts and charters. The service is available as a fixed weekly or monthly subscription with daily extensions available with reservations extending beyond 7 days.
Another key inclusion is KVH’s integrated cybersecurity programme. As we all know, spam emails and threats received via a yacht’s internet can be a huge risk to any connecting system. TracNet solutions offer integrated terminal-level security, with optional enterprise-grade enhancements available. “Cybersecurity is fundamental. That’s why we employ cybersecurity by design principles to our hardware and global networks,” says Woodhead.
Jimbo’s owner relies on TracNet for the physical security of his yacht as well. He states, “I rely on TracNet for security monitoring when I can’t be in the marina with my boat. The cameras and security system integrate right into the TracNet solution and I always know I’ll have reliable, consistent connectivity for ongoing monitoring.”
“KVH has set a new standard for integration, convenience, speed, and affordability for commercial seafarers and leisure boaters worldwide,” says Bruun. “TracNet is the first fully integrated hybrid maritime product of its kind, and the solution will allow vessels all over the world to maximize speeds and minimize costs at the dock, underway, and offshore”.
To find out more about KVH ONE and the TracNet product line, contact the company directly here.
Sponsored content created for KVH