Announcement No. 14 - 2008/09 January 26, 2009
Thrane & Thrane in VSAT partnership with KVH Industries
Thrane & Thrane and US-based KVH Industries, Inc. have set up a VSAT
partnership to launch a new attractive solution for the commercial maritime
Ku-band market (also known as the VSAT market). Combining Thrane & Thrane's
solid reputation and comprehensive distribution and service networks with one
of the strongest products and Ku-band networks on the market, the agreement
creates a competitive solution for the fast-growing KU-band market.
The new partnership will enable Thrane & Thrane to offer a Ku-band solution
with global coverage, which is mainly demanded by the commercial merchant
fleet. In addition, Thrane & Thrane will be able to develop its own solutions
based on KVH's Ku-band network under the new agreement.
Thrane & Thrane expects to make the initial shipments to distribution partners
as early as around March 1, 2009. Thrane & Thrane's solution will be based on
KVH's well known Ku-band system, which comprises both terminals and antennas.
The solution delivers KVH's existing “mini-VSAT Broadband service” with data
rates up to 2 Mbps. Thrane & Thrane expects to generate KU-band revenue of
around DKK 40 million already from the 2009/10 financial year with revenue
rising in the subsequent years.
The agreement with KVH builds on a long-standing business collaboration in
which Thrane & Thrane has supplied mini-M, Fleet and FleetBroadband satellite
communication equipment sold under the KVH brand. Similar to the existing
arrangement, the new Ku-band solution will be marketed under Thrane & Thrane's
maritime brand, SAILOR®.
The market for Ku-band equipment for maritime satellite communication is
expanding strongly. Ku-band based on TV satellites has been used for two-way
communication for more than 15 years, mostly on land, but also at sea. There is
clearly a trend among shipowners to consider vessels as part of their IT
infrastructure.
The benefits of solutions based on KU-band include high data speeds at a fixed
monthly price. The primary market consists of tankers, cruise ships, ferries
and large yachts, but these solutions are also attractive in the market for
commercial vessels.
The current volume of installed maritime Ku-band terminals is around 5,500. The
number is currently growing by about 1,500 per year, but the rate is expected
to increase. The typical end-user price for a terminal is around USD
40,000-60,000.
For further information, please contact
Walther Thygesen, CEO
Tel.: +45 39 55 88 00
About Thrane & Thrane
Thrane & Thrane is the world's leading manufacturer of equipment and systems
for global mobile communication based on sophisticated satellite and radio
technology. Since its incorporation in 1981, the company has established a
strong position within global mobile communication solutions based on the
Inmarsat system, and today Thrane & Thrane provides equipment for maritime,
land-based and aeronautical use. The company's communication products are sold
throughout the world under the brands Thrane & Thrane, EXPLORER® and SAILOR®
through distributors and partners. Thrane & Thrane is listed on OMX The Nordic
Exchange in Copenhagen (THRAN). www.thrane.com.
About KVH Industries
KVH Industries Inc is a leading provider of in-motion satellite TV and
communications systems, having designed, manufactured, and sold more than
150,000 mobile satellite antennas for applications on vessels, vehicles, and
aircraft. KVH's mission is to connect mobile customers around the globe with
the same digital television entertainment, communications, and Internet
services that they enjoy in their homes and offices. The company's head office
is located in Middletown, Rhode Island, USA. NASDAQ OMX (symbol: KVHI).
www.kvh.com.
