KVH has launched a new system for seafarer communications called KVH Crew Internet, compatible with KVH TracNet hybrid terminals and included with its standard airtime plans.
The service, providing access to applications such as WhatsApp, social media, websites, and email, will follow crews wherever they are within the fleet, keeping their login and allocations as they move from ship to ship.
Fleet administrators can set data allocations and limits on a daily, weekly or monthly basis. Allocations can also be set by connection type, such as the three channels built into the TracNet terminals’ hybrid design – satellite, cellular, or Wi-Fi. Online hours can also be limited for safety and productivity reasons.
“Connectivity is crucial to crew, yet can often be a challenge for fleet administrators,” said Mark Woodhead, KVH’s Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing.
“With KVH Crew Internet, mariners can access personal email, enjoy the web, manage personal affairs, and interact with social connections while out at sea. Fleet administrators can set data allocations, limit online access hours, and manage data usage on the vessel.”
“KVH Crew Internet provides a win-win solution for today’s commercial shipping companies, and we are excited to offer it to the global maritime community.”
Crew can log into a portal on their mobile phones, tablets, or computers to use data, track use, and budget their time spent online. Fleet administrators can use the KVH Manager portal to set allocations and controls, and to view a vessel or fleet’s data usage.
